AUGUST UPDATE
FALL APPROACHES, SIGNIFICANT MOVMENT
Summer continues to fade further into the rearview mirror. While we didn’t host any week-long groups, we were able to facilitate for some teens who wanted to spend time on the mountain.
Serenity has kicked off her volleyball season, and the idea of using Uplift for team building became a reality. Both the JV and Varsity teams from Custer County came up for a morning on the obstacle course. The girls jumped in with both feet and loved the chance to be together on the Mountain.
Group Retreat
We were blessed to welcome a group of 32 students from Castle Rock to the mountain. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new teens and share what Uplift has offered over the years. Though their stay was only about 24 hours, we packed in plenty—group encounters, climbing at Frog Rock, and archery.
Projects on the Mountain
We have had some time to shift into fall mode. Some of the projects included a new roof for the little brown cabin, running brush through the chipper, finishing splitting and stacking wood, and harvesting food for the winter.
New Baby!
We are so excited to welcome Arthur George Hunt to the family. (Arthur is Grandpa Jay's middle name). Born on Aug 13th.
Zach, Amy, Eddie, and Arthur are all doing well.
Moving Forward
August has brought significant movement for the future of Uplift. Serenity and I have decided not to continue our roles here on the Mountain.
This past summer taught me much about myself. In the past, my desire to be here was mixed with many motives and questions about what God wanted for my life. I hoped to be transformed by this place, its people, and its direction. I imagined a future where I was driven, passionate, and focused on Uplift’s mission.
The reality, however, is that there remains a gap between my heart and that passion. This place needs someone with the vision, energy, and determination to lead it forward. Running a camp requires insight, passion, and action. Looking back, Grandpa Jay and Dad carried those qualities, and I wanted this past summer to help me discern if I was meant to follow in their footsteps—if obedience to God would stir in me the same passion and vision. In the end, I discovered that those things are not mine to carry here. And that is okay.
I have no regrets about this summer. I believe it was positive both for me and for everyone who was here. My hope is that no one feels slighted or misled by this journey we’ve shared. Each step of it has been honest and real.
In the days ahead, many things must be considered for Uplift’s future. Please pray for Dean, Heidi, Jay, Dorothy, and the Board as they navigate this transition and seek the right path forward.
I am deeply grateful for the love and encouragement I have received throughout this season. Your prayers, your presence, and your willingness to walk alongside me have meant more than I can express. Though my role here may be finished, my heart will always hold a place for Uplift and the memories we have shared. I truly believe that God is not stoped writing the story of this mountain, and I look forward to seeing how He continues to use it to impact lives.
Thank you for believing, for showing up, and for reminding me that the journey—no matter where it leads—is worthwhile when it is walked with faith and with community. My prayer is that Uplift continues to be a place of transformation, joy, and purpose for all who come here.
With gratitude and love,
Isaac
