Meet Camper Irene
Summer Camp 1: Gastrointestinal & Liver Conditions, & Celiac (Gluten-Free!)
There’s something truly magical about camp. It’s the place where strangers become friends, fears turn into adventures, and memories last long after the summer ends. For one camper, five years at Roundup River Ranch has been filled with all those moments and more.
For the last five summers, Irene has made the trip from Los Osos, California to Roundup River Ranch. She was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) as a baby, which led Irene’s mom to apply for camp when she was younger.
When Irene was asked about her first experienced at camp, she remembered feeling anxious.
“I was so nervous about it because I‘d never slept away before, but everybody was so nice,” Irene said. “And the campers, they just warm right up to you and then they’re family for the six days that you’re here.”
That feeling of belonging is what makes camp and the Willow Cabin so special to Irene. In just a few days, she’s formed connections with friends that make her feel like she’s known them forever.
For Irene, it’s the people who make the biggest impact.
“There’s been a lot of special people that have come to Willow Cabin,” Irene explained.
Camp is more than just activities and cabins – it’s a place where everyone understands each other and supports one another.
“It’s just such a special place, and I love being here with people that understand how it feels to have (EoE) or whatever allergies,” Irene said. “And it’s just really brought me out of my comfort zone, I think.”
Speaking of comfort zones, camp is also where Irene loves to try new things. She has conquered the Climbing Wall and tackled other new challenges.
After five years, she’s learned that camp is about trying your best, cheering each other on, and having a blast along the way.
And if she could give one piece of advice to any first-time camper?
“I’d tell them not to be worried because it’s so much fun,” Irene said. “And everybody’s so welcoming, and you never need to worry at all because nobody cares if you’re weird or not. You just be yourself.”
That might be the perfect description of Roundup River Ranch. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs and everyone can be exactly who they are.
