Roundup River Ranch 2016 Camp Bulletin
We’re sending you 4,000 thank yous – one for each of the amazing campers whose lives have been enriched by the healing power of camp, thanks to friends like you. You’ve helped provide extraordinary camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families for the past 10 years. Always free. For that, and more, we thank you.
The Season of Big Dreams
The 2016 Camp Season will be one that will never be forgotten as it marked the 10th anniversary since Roundup River Ranch’s founding. 10 years of Camp. Over 4,000 lives changed forever through the healing power of camp from then until now. All of this, and more, made possible through the support and generosity of friends like you. Your commitment to Roundup River Ranch ensured that friendships were formed, countless s’mores were eaten, self-confidence was discovered, fears were conquered, family memories made, endless joy and laughter filled the air, and campers left Roundup River Ranch dreaming bigger than they did when they arrived. All of this, and more, happened thanks to you. This Special Edition Camp Bulletin provides an overview of Roundup River Ranch’s 2016 Camp Season. May this summary remind you of the tremendous impact that your investment in Roundup River Ranch has in the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families. Thank you for helping children with serious illnesses discover that they are not alone. Thank you for helping these special campers experience the simple joys of childhood at Roundup River Ranch. PS – The 2017 camp season will be here before you know it! Please follow Roundup River Ranch on social media to ensure that you don’t miss any of the news and excitement in the season ahead.
Illness Groups Served During the 2016 Camp season, we welcomed campers with illnesses that fall within the following
24 diagnostic categories: • • • • • • • •
Acquired immunodeficiency (HIV/AIDS) Blood disorders Brain tumors Cancer Celiac disease Chronic lung disease Craniofacial anomalies Cystic fibrosis
• • • • • • • •
Dermatologic conditions Epilepsy and other seizure disorders Gastrointestinal diseases Heart disease Heart transplants Interstitial lung disease Kidney disease Kidney transplants
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• • • • • • •
Liver disease Liver transplants Neurological disorders Other lung diseases Severe asthma Sickle cell disease Type I diabetes
Camp by the Numbers
945
Campers served
534 Family campers 411
Summer campers
That Means...
300+ 340
Where Campers Call Home*
864 Colorado Campers from
76
Campers from out-of-state
*The demographics of five campers is not included in these totals.
A Closer Look at Our Colorado Campers
Total Stage Night acts
66%
Fish caught, wished on, and released
1,480 2,000+
567 campers reside in Denver counties
27%
Specialized meals
New friendships formed
5% 45 campers reside in other areas
238 campers reside in other Front Range counties
2%
14 campers reside in mountain communities
“My son Liam loves Roundup River Ranch. The greatest thing he gets from this camp is a sense of independence and his self-confidence increases greatly. Liam has attended camp for several years and he has a strong sense of belonging at Roundup River Ranch. Liam feels that Roundup River Ranch is his place to go and be himself.�
The Impact of Camp While nearly every climb up the climbing wall or fish caught and wished on at The Lake could be considered a season highlight, below is a list of some of our top favorite goose bump, awe-inspiring moments that demonstrate why camp matters to the children and families who attend Roundup River Ranch. 1.) “I Never Knew I Could Do That!” Each camper was able to participate in every activity through Roundup River Ranch’s implementation of Universal Programming. For a child who is constantly told “no” or is often excluded from activities in which his or her peers participate, the power of universal programming is enormous. The Roundup River Ranch staff team will stop at nothing to ensure that every child participates in every activity in a way that is meaningful. From the Challenge Course to Boating, and everything in between, hundreds of personalized adaptations were made throughout the season, and as a result, campers learned what they were capable of as they exceeded their expectations of themselves. These campers left Roundup River Ranch equipped to do more and find new ways to challenge themselves. 2.) Campers Learned That They Are Not Alone. Receiving a diagnosis of one of the serious medical conditions that Roundup River Ranch serves can be isolating as many children do not know others with the same condition. Kids feel different than their peers and they often tell us that they feel alone, like others just don’t understand what it is like. At Roundup River Ranch, however, things are different. Campers meet others who instantly understand what it’s like, without an explanation. This provides a unique opportunity for friendships to form and battle scars to be shared. 3.) Taking a Break from Being a “Patient” Whether a child attends Summer Camp or Family Camp with his or her family, Roundup River Ranch provides an opportunity for a child to take a break from being “a patient” so they can get back to the fun of experiencing the extraordinary joys of childhood. At Roundup River Ranch, campers can focus on fun, laughter, dancing, new friends, and more; it’s a time to forget about doctors’ appointments, time in the hospital, and challenges experienced because of a serious illness. Campers and families say that their time at Roundup River Ranch is the first time, often in quite some time, that they “can take a deep breath and remember that everything is going to be okay.”
4.) Camp Fun for the Whole Family “While my son was the one diagnosed with cancer and suffered physically, his illness affected our entire family in ways that we never anticipated. At Family Camp, we were able reconnect as a family and create memories that we’ll treasure forever. Camp was healing for all of us.” This sentiment is shared by many who attend Family Camp. During Family Camp at Roundup River Ranch, families can escape stress of their child’s medical condition as they are supported with love and empathy of dedicated staff and volunteers. Families can simply focus on the joy of being together, creating cherished memories, and connecting with other families who are on a similar journey. 5.) Increased Medical Compliance. Our medical volunteers, many of the same medical professionals who care for campers in the clinic and hospital, report that they see increased compliance rates following camp. Children are more likely to adhere to their medication protocol because they saw their friends at camp taking medications at camp in a similar fashion; they realize that they are not the only ones required to follow strict protocol, and they often are empowered to take better care of themselves following camp. 6.) Many Firsts. Nearly all of the campers who attend Roundup River Ranch experience a first each session, and the camp staff helps campers recognize and celebrate these achievements. Their first friend. Their first trip up the Climbing Wall. Their first time away from home. Their first time meeting another child with their same condition. Their first fish caught, and so many others. Regardless of the first experience, the impact is significant and not soon forgotten.
“AMAZING!!! That’s all I can say about camp. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS THE BEST PLACE EVER!”
7.) Accommodating the Medical and Dietary Needs of Campers. Roundup River Ranch is fortunate to have some of the most amazing medical volunteers in the world who provide expert, and loving, care to the campers. They stop at nothing to ensure that campers do not miss an activity or a time to have fun. Thanks to them, Roundup River Ranch is able to accommodate campers with a wide variety of very acute medical needs, and we welcome children who would not otherwise be able to attend camp or enjoy a similar experience elsewhere. In addition to medical care, Roundup River Ranch accommodates the unique dietary needs of children with serious illnesses, providing delicious, and nutritious food, that is very similar to the meals that children without restrictions enjoy. Our first-ever Dietary Specialist and our dedicated kitchen crew provided hundreds of specialized meals to campers, ensuring that bellies were full and children were happy. 8.) Serving Siblings. The siblings of children with kidney disease and kidney transplants are welcomed to Roundup River Ranch to experience the magic of camp with their diagnosed sibling. This year, we welcomed 44 children with kidney disease/kidney transplants and 26 siblings to camp for a week that they won’t soon forget. Serving siblings provided an opportunity for siblings to understand each other better and create special memories together. Allowing siblings of the diagnosed child to come to Roundup River Ranch also gave the parents complete respite from all their usual responsibilities. Many parents remarked about how amazing it was to have a week “off” – a week to focus on themselves rather than on the care of their children. 9.) The Lasting Impact of Camp. While a session at Roundup River Ranch is only six days or a weekend, the impact of camp is lasting and real. Camper parents report that their children come home different; they are more confident, they are happier, and they are more willing to try new things. These benefits continue throughout the year, too, as many campers and families find ways to live the magic of camp at home. Whether through dancing their favorite camp dances or keeping in touch with new friends from camp, campers embody the spirit of Roundup River Ranch long after they leave camp.
Meet Camper
J
Jason
ason is nine-years-old. He has had multiple heart surgeries and he wishes that others knew what he felt like after his surgery and during the recovery process. The hardest part about having heart disease is the pain that Jason feels. There is one place where Jason doesn’t focus on the pain that his heart condition causes. That place is Roundup River Ranch. This year was Jason’s first time to attend Camp and he wanted to attend because it sounded fun. Jason experienced fun at Roundup River Ranch; he also experienced something so much more. Camp changed Jason’s perspective and gave him new confidence that he took back home with him after the session ended. Everyone at camp understood what it’s like to have a heart problem; that’s something that Jason doesn’t find other places. Jason was able to conquer his fears at Roundup River Ranch. And, his daring trip up the climbing wall and flying down the zip line will be something he never forgets. At Roundup River Ranch, Jason learned that mosquitos love moisture and how to make a mini boat. Camp also taught him important “stuff” and lessons to take to the outside world. Most importantly, Jason learned that you can do anything if you just believe yourself.
“I am grateful that my family was able to unplug and spend time as a family this weekend.”
Meet Our Partner
Abercrombie & Fitch SeriousFun Children’s Network, the global network of camps of which Roundup River Ranch is a part, recently announced a five year, $15 million partnership between the Network and Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F). A&F created the Volunteer Camp Counselor Program to give associates an opportunity to support campers firsthand while learning valuable leadership and mentoring skills. 50 associates per year are carefully screened and selected, then placed in weeklong camp sessions around the world. This season five A&F volunteers joined us at Camp. Get to know one of these amazing A&F volunteers.
Cam Schulz, Columbus, Ohio When you’re not volunteering at Roundup River Ranch what do you do? I work for Abercrombie & Fitch in Merchandising. Why did you want to volunteer? I volunteered a couple of times with Flying Horse Farms, a SeriousFun Camp in Ohio. I loved the energy level and excitement at Flying Horse Farms; it’s second to none. Seeing that passion and hearing the success stories of campers I wanted to more get involved. Why do you think volunteering at Roundup River Ranch is important? It’s important to help these kids because, for reasons out of their control, they may be unable to be independent, spend time around their peers, and experience normal childhoods. Kids need confidence to excel so it’s important to give children with serious illnesses the opportunity to catch up with their peers and not let their illnesses define the rest of their lives. You don’t volunteer at these camps to simply feel like you’re doing good; you are making a palpable difference in the lives of children with serious illnesses. Why do you think it’s important for children with serious illnesses to attend Roundup River Ranch? It gives them an opportunity to be in a comfortable zone where they can be 100% “normal”, they can excel with the right safeguards in place. They can forget about everything they’re dealing with at home in a loving, supportive place. Can you describe Roundup River Ranch in three words? Fun, beautiful, and energetic . I can’t think of a more beautiful, relaxing place for campers and volunteers as well.
“Thank you for giving my family this tremendous gift. The girls were at camp together and I finally got to take a break and breathe. While my daughter is the one who suffers most from her kidney condition, it affects the entire family. We all heal while she is at Roundup River Ranch.”
Meet the Rutherford Family Michelle, Eric, Teagan, and Sadie attended Roundup River Ranch Family Camp Session 5 and they had an amazing experience. Their second year at Family Camp, Teagan and Sadie attend Roundup River Ranch in the summer as well, participating in the session for children with kidney disease/kidney transplants and their siblings. Teagan has lupus nephritis and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, which causes kidney failure. As a result of his illness, Teagan is constantly tired and sore, and he struggles to find kids his age to relate to. Teagan’s parents wish they had support from other parents who understand too. The Rutherfords found out about Roundup River Ranch and they could not wait to attend. Family Camp provided a perfect opportunity for them to experience family time together while receiving support and learning from others who also are faced with kidney issues. At Roundup River Ranch, the Rutherfords found something special. Teagan connected instantly with one of the volunteers assigned to his cabin and said that their volunteer John was the best part of camp. He also enjoyed using the telescope and having the opportunity to express himself honestly at Candle Chat. His sister Sadie agreed; the best part of camp for her was Candle Chat with the other siblings where she could share her thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. She, too, didn’t feel so alone. For the parents, Roundup River Ranch was a place where Michelle and Eric could watch their children grow and act “normal”, and they benefited from hearing the stories of other families who could relate to the struggle of being sick, going through treatment, and dealing with a day-to-day that most others can’t imagine. The Rutherfords learned that they are not alone in their struggle. After camp, they felt like Teagan and their family could help inspire others in a way they never realized before. Roundup River Ranch is one of the family’s favorite things to talk about throughout the year and a source for many positive, and treasured, memories. Michelle just wishes that camp were longer so they could have more time to connect with other families. The other best part of Roundup River Ranch? The fact that it is free. With the high cost of medical expenses, and feelings of uncertainty about what future treatment will be required, the Rutherfords are only able to experience Roundup River Ranch through the support and generosity of friends like you. Without camp, Teagan says that he wouldn’t have as much to look forward to nor would he realize that he is not alone as he faces his illness.
“As we were leaving camp after our cabin tour, we passed another camper about my daughter’s age. She whispered to me in amazement, ‘Mom, she has a scar. A scar just like mine.’ Until that moment I didn’t understand how different and alone she felt. Gabby came home with so much more confidence.”
Camp by the Numbers In Their Own Words “Camp was the first time we’ve been able to do something as a family since our daughter’s diagnosis. We will remember the firsts and all the brave things she did for the rest of our lives. This weekend meant everything to us.” “My friends from camp – we will always be brothers no matter where we are.”
“Camp is the opportunity for me not to be the ‘sick kid.’”
“I’m proud of my sister. I didn’t realize how strong she was until I saw her on the climbing wall.” “Camp is a really cool experience – kids are checked out of the hospital and checked into being an ordinary kid. You don’t find that anywhere else.”
“Did you know there’s another girl on oxygen here too? For once, I won’t be the only one on oxygen!”
“I wish camp was forever.”
“I don’t know how I would have made it through cancer without Roundup River Ranch.” “We had such an amazing time at camp- unbelievable really. The time together was so wonderful and refreshing for each of us! Even more amazing was that for the first time ever we got to have face-to-face conversations with other parents whose children have the same HIV diagnosis that our kiddos have.”
“For once, I’m not the only one with a scar.”
“The best part of camp? I got to see my brother in a different way. At home, he’s the sick one, the one who gets all of the attention. At camp, he doesn’t seem sick and we both get equal amounts of attention.”
“It was like she grew up a few years in that week. That was much needed in terms of her confidence and desire to become a ‘big kid’.”
Camp by the Numbers Partner Roundup Roundup River Ranch is fortunate to partner with many amazing corporations and friends who donate their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that campers experience the simple joys of childhood at camp. We’d like to highlight the following corporations for their extraordinary commitment to Roundup River Ranch:
Celebrations! In addition to the fun and games that were experienced at camp, the 2016 camp season was filled with many amazing events and celebrations for friends of Roundup River Ranch. A few of the highlights included:
• Roundup the Stars Soirées. Four Roundup the
Stars Soirées were hosted throughout the state to introduce new friends to Camp. Over 120 friends helped raise nearly $125,000 through these events.
• An Advisory Committee gathering hosted by Donna and Pat Martin. The Advisory Committee provided recommendations to ensure Roundup River Ranch’s continued success and growth for the next 10 years and beyond.
• Over $1.2 million were raised at A Grateful Harvest. At our most successful event to date, nearly 330 friends gathered at Camp for a very special night of celebration, amazing food, and exquisite wines. Generously presented by WhiteWave Foods Company, thank you to everyone who made A Grateful Harvest tremendous success.
• Camp-tastic fun at Campfire Games.
Whether in Avon or Denver, teams of four experienced an afternoon of silly, messy, and wacky competitions and fun to benefit Roundup River Ranch.
Love Notes Dear Roundup River Ranch, My husband Millón and I have 3 daughters, Blanca (17), Mayra (16), and Lucía (5). Lucia was diagnosed with biliary atresia when she was 9 weeks old. Immediately following her diagnosis, a long series of procedures and surgeries followed, including two liver transplants shortly after she turned six months old. Since Lucia was born we have sacrificed a lot time as a family. I stayed with her in the hospital for over 5 months total while my husband and older girls stayed at our home taking care of work and school. Until camp, most of the trips we have taken as a family have been surrounded Lucia’s appointments as my other daughters have joined us for a few days joining Lucia. The fact that there is no cost to the camp was the main reason why we decided to apply, since we do not have resources allocated for vacation at this time. I was so excited when my family was accepted to attend Family Camp at Roundup River Ranch. The Roundup River Ranch site and facility is breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful. The staff and volunteers are just AMAZING. One of the things I enjoyed the most is seeing how all my girls had so much fun. Inevitably a lot of the things we do are centered around Lucia; people ask me how is Lucia doing, they talk about Lucia, but they forget about Blanca and Mayra. Here, everybody called my older daughters by their names, they talked to them, and they had cool teen activities. They were so much more than “Lucia’s sisters”. And Lucia, well, she had a blast. She met two kids who received liver transplant for the first time. They showed each other their scars and treated each other like life-long friends. It was an amazing moment for me and my husband. Lucia does not feel as alone as she knows there are other kids who face similar challenges. Thanks again for this opportunity. We had fun, we made new friends, and we formed special memories as a family. For a few short days, we got to be “normal”. Camp is something that we will treasure and we will definitely hope to come back next year. Regards, Vicky
Dear Roundup River Ranch, I just wanted to send a BIG thank you to everyone at Roundup River Ranch that worked so hard this summer, making such wonderful memories for kids and families alike. Our son Peyton attended the attended the session for children with cancer, brain tumors, and sickle cell disease. It was a wonderful experience for him and was really the first time he's been away from home for an extended period of time. It challenged him and he had many wonderful experiences! It wasn't all easy and some things were tough for him, but I'm so proud he pushed through! I'm convinced he's stronger because of the experience. Two names that came up quite a bit in his stories about the week, were Brian and Riley. They did a fantastic job making him feel right at home! Thank you to the both of them. I know sometimes Peyton can be a little difficult and even a tad bit stubborn but they helped him through that and we're so grateful! :) THANK YOU!!!! What a wonderful place! May your efforts continue to be blessed!!!! Sincerely, Sheila
Dear Roundup River Ranch, I can’t tell you how very grateful we are that Charlotte was included in camp this year. Picking her up and hearing her talk today has been remarkable — she had a trul y transformative experience and I am so moved by the kindnesses of the staff, the campers she met this week and your entire org anization. She went into camp feeling isolate d and different and her perspective is alre ady more inclusive and kind—toward herself and others. And, she had pure fun! That’s an exceptional thing to say after six days — but it is entirely true. Please accept our sincerest gratitu
de.
Best, Meaghan
Thank you for making another giggle-infused, worry-free, friendship-rich season possible!
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