This summer marked Hayley’s very first sleepaway camp – and naturally, she was a little nervous driving into Roundup River Ranch. But that didn’t last long.
“It’s so different than any other place, like school,” Hayley said. “You don’t have to be afraid to do some things that might make you uncomfortable, like singing and dancing.”
Hayley first heard about Roundup River Ranch at one of her routine checkups. As a baby, she was diagnosed with a heart condition that led to a life-saving surgery. Her current doctor, a medical volunteer at Roundup, recommended she try out a Summer Camp session.
She was surprised at how easy it was to make friends, even on day one. As the week progressed, her friendships grew stronger through camp activities like fishing, music, and bonding with her cabin through song and a stray perch or two. A big moment of connection was at the oh-so-frightening Challenge Course!
“It was really scary at first,” Hayley mentioned. “Then I overcame the fear of heights and I went down the zipline. It was so fun and I loved it.”
Hayley believes Roundup River Ranch is something special. It’s a place where anyone can fit in, thanks to the counselors who support their groups, go crazy during dances, and really try to get to know their campers.
“All these people care about you… they really do,” Hayley said. “The counselors, when they say I love you, they really mean it.”
Hayley’s biggest takeaway from camp was its ability to make anyone belong. To her, you could be whoever you wanted in this space.
“It doesn’t matter what medical history you have, who you are as a person, what sports you do, it literally doesn’t matter,” Hayley said. “We all have one thing in common… we’re people, we’re human, and we can belong in this place.”
