Meet Camper Sylas
Summer Camp 2: Heart & Kidney Conditions
“Honestly, it’s one of those things where you want to describe it, but it’s just so amazing, you can’t describe it. There are no words to describe it.”
For Sylas, heart week at Roundup River Ranch is more than just a week at camp – it’s a place where friendships are built, connections are formed, and where smiles never fade.
“One really good friend I’ve made at camp is my friend Caden,” Sylas shared. “I met him my first year here, and we’ve been friends ever since.”
Even though Caden lives far away from Sylas, their friendship extends well beyond camp. The two make it a priority to find ways to stay connected throughout the year and spend time together.
As a heart transplant recipient, Sylas understands the challenges that can come with a life-altering diagnosis. At camp, he found something powerful: a community of peers who not only understand what he has been through, but who have experienced similar journeys themselves.
According to Sylas, that shared understanding is what makes camp so special. Whether campers have a heart condition, have received a transplant, or are navigating another medical journey, they arrive with a common connection that helps friendships form quickly and authentically.
“You all have something very similar in common,” Sylas explained. “You can relate to each other, and then you start talking and really get to know someone. Before you know it, you’re friends for years, like me and Caden.”
That sense of belonging keeps Sylas coming back year after year. At Roundup River Ranch, he feels understood, accepted, and surrounded by people who truly get it.
“I always come with a smile on my face,” he said. “And I always leave with a smile on my face. There’s no sad face or anything in between.”
For Sylas, The Power of Camp isn’t something that can easily be put into words. It lives in the friendships, confidence gained, memories, and connections made along the way. The impact has been so meaningful that putting it into words feels nearly impossible.
“There are no words to describe it,” he said. “It’s just amazing.”
