Jonathan Carlson – Ward, Colorado … A beautiful and spirit-filled weekend saw almost 50 Glacier View Ranch (GVR) alumni—those that have worked or volunteered at the camp—gathered once again on the beautiful grounds outside of Ward, Colorado, September 19–21, to reconnect with old friends, revisit meaningful memories, and be reminded of the deep impact this place continues to have on countless lives.

This year’s guest speaker, Ron Whitehead, brought powerful, heartfelt messages that reminded us all why we return to this place—and why it still matters. Whitehead, now serving as the Lake Union Conference Director for Youth, Young Adult, and Children’s Ministries after formerly directing seven International Pathfinder Camporees, delivered a four-part message series: “People Matter,” “Place Matters,” “Jesus Matters,” and “Glacier View Ranch Matters.”

Each message was rich with biblical truth, personal insight, and spiritual challenge:

  • In“People Matter,” Whitehead reminded us that the true value of a person is measured by the price paid for them—and that price was the life of Jesus. We were challenged to live the life we say we believe, and to become people who remind others of their worth and purpose.
  • “Place Matters”drew us into Genesis 28:16, where Jacob realizes, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. Places become sacred when God meets us there. Whether through purpose, as seen throughout Scripture, or power, as demonstrated in Luke 23:24, the places God inhabits take on new significance. Glacier View Ranch is one such place.
  • In“Jesus Matters,” we were reminded that Jesus reveals the invisible God, that Jesus restores, and that our relationship with Him brings healing and transformation. When God lives in us, we rise to another level—not for ourselves, but to serve and love others more deeply.
  • The weekend concluded with“Glacier View Ranch Matters”—a heartfelt affirmation that this place is more than a camp. It’s a ministry built on service and legacy. Volunteers are the backbone of GVR’s impact, and their love continues to ripple through the lives of generations who have walked these trails and sung around its campfires.

The weekend was filled with more than powerful messages, it was also packed with joy, music, and fellowship. We were blessed by phenomenal music from Jared, Eliah, and their music team from Boulder Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their voices and worship leadership created a space where many of us felt the tangible presence of God.

Saturday night brought laughter, competition, and connection with classic camp fun—volleyball, soccer, bean bag toss, and sweet treats like ice cream sundaes and kettle corn. It was a time of community and celebration in our newly built Storage Building.

Sunday capped off the weekend with a final inspirational worship session followed by pool time—a refreshing close to a weekend that nourished both spirit and soul.

“As we left Glacier View Ranch, many of us carried away more than just nostalgia—we carried renewed purpose. We were reminded that people matter, places matter, Jesus matters, and yes—Glacier View Ranch still matters,” remarked one participant. “Until next time, may we all live the lives we say we believe and continue the work of love, service, and connection that GVR helped plant in us.”

See you at the next Alumni Weekend!

—Curated by ChatGPT and revisions and editing by Jonathan Carlson, RMC Camp Ministries director. Photos by Jonathan Carlson.