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Our History

Where We Came From

DiscoveryBound’s Origin

DiscoveryBound, a division of Adventure Unlimited, was founded more than 50 years ago to serve Christian Scientists and their friends by providing activities that allow individuals to see the practicality of Christian Science in their daily lives.

DiscoveryBound is a program division run and funded primarily by Adventure Unlimited. The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of dedicated Christian Scientists and is staffed by a small group of employees and hundreds of volunteers who carry out DiscoveryBound programs around the world.

Formerly Adventure Unlimited Chapters

Recognizing that a number of organizations serve young Christian Scientists, Adventure Unlimited proactively reached out to them. Each of these organizations is led by inspired, dedicated staff and volunteers, and offers unique learning environments and programs to support youth. By working more closely together and optimizing the strengths of these different organizations, we can all have an even broader impact on the lives of young Christian Scientists.

With this in mind, in 2001 the name of Adventure Unlimited’s year-round Chapter program was changed to “DiscoveryBound.” This new name is intended to let people of all ages, regardless of camp or school affiliation, to feel welcome and included in our activities.

DiscoveryBound

Programs

With the addition of two DiscoveryBound programs – the National Leadership Council in 2004 and Compass in 2015 – the name of the branch that oversees local, regional, and national events changed to Outreach. Outreach serves Christian Science youth, adults, and families and the broader community, including their friends of all faiths.

Welcome to DiscoveryBound!

Historical Sketch

1962

Adventure Unlimited formed as a nonprofit organization, governed by a nationwide Board of Trustees.

1965

First national training conference held for 1965 Adventure Unlimited volunteers; first local Adventure Unlimited Chapters launched; first local Adventure Unlimited activity for college-aged participants, drawing more than 275 individuals to the event in Barrington, Illinois.

1965

First Chapter chartered outside the United States in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

1965

Adventure Unlimited office moved from St. Louis to Denver. First Chapter chartered outside North America in Durban, South Africa.

1979

Adventure Unlimited Headquarters building completed in Englewood, Colorado (since renamed Greenwood Village – a suburb of Denver).

1985

Family and Adult activity programs added to Chapter programming.

1998

First National Teen Leadership Conference, drawing more than 170 teens.

2001

DiscoveryBound created as division of Adventure Unlimited to be more inclusive of all Christian Science organizations.

2004

The DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council program was launched.

2005

DiscoveryBound Boston Youth Meeting – teens met with the Board of Directors of The Mother Church.

2005

Adventure Unlimited celebrated its 50th anniversary at the A/U Ranches with 450 participants.

2008

Principia College hosted DiscoveryBound for its Leadership Conference with more than 500 teens and Chapter workers present.

2015

DiscoveryBound named the program that oversees the local, regional, and national events, Outreach.

2015

Adventure Unlimited celebrated its 60th anniversary with all program alumni, including DiscoveryBound Outreach and NLC, at the A/U Ranches.

2015

The DiscoveryBound Compass program was launched.