Meet Camper Ollie
Summer Camp 4: Behavioral Health Conditions
“I think it’s shown me the brighter side of things.”
For Ollie, Roundup River Ranch was more than just a place to spend a week at camp. It was a place where they felt accepted, encouraged, and surrounded by people who genuinely cared.
Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), mild autism, depression, and other mental health challenges, Ollie found something at camp that had been difficult to find elsewhere: a community that embraced them exactly as they were.
When Ollie first arrived at Roundup River Ranch, opening up didn’t come easily.
“When I first got here, the first time was at camp, I remember I was so quiet. I just didn’t know what to do. I was, like, really in my shell,” Ollie said. “And I remember the counselors really helped me come out of it.”
With the encouragement of their counselors and the welcoming environment around them, Ollie gradually grew more comfortable being themself. As the week went on, they found the confidence to step outside their comfort zone and embrace everything camp had to offer.
“I really like the camp counselors too, because they do spread that positivity,” Ollie shared.
For Ollie, that positivity extended beyond the counselors. It was felt throughout the entire camp community.
Whether spending time with friends or trying new activities, Ollie found joy in the simple moments. Their favorite activity was horseback riding, where they built a connection with the horses while gaining confidence with every ride.
Looking back on their experience, Ollie believes camp changed the way they see the world, giving them a brighter perspective and renewed hope.
When asked to describe Roundup River Ranch in just three words, Ollie’s answer came easily: “Whimsical. Beautiful. Accepting.”
For Ollie, The Power of Camp was found in a community that replaced uncertainty with confidence and reminded them that kindness, acceptance, and positivity can make all the difference. Ollie left camp feeling brighter than when they arrived.
