Roundup River Ranch Starts Service Learning Program Partnership With CU Anschutz School of Medicine

This summer marked the first year in a five-year partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. For students to graduate from the school of medicine, they must complete a non-medical Service Learning rotation.  

Through the Service Learning Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, medical students partner with local community organizations to support meaningful projects that improve health and well-being across Colorado. This required curriculum experience helps students learn directly from community members and organizations, fostering collaboration, civic engagement, and a deeper understanding of the social factors that influence health while contributing to the important work already happening in our communities. In 2026, Roundup River Ranch became a Service Learning partner!  

For the first year of the partnership, we welcomed one Camp Ambassador and eleven Camp Counselors. Students attended Summer Camp 6: Lung, Severe Allergen, and Immune Conditions and Summer Camp 7: All Diagnosis Week. Becoming camp counselors for children 7-17.  

The opportunity allowed students to work with children with diagnoses before they were in clinical spaces. They were able to learn from them and understand who they are outside of their medical conditions. Aside from the learning atmosphere, the students also had tremendous fun!  

“Some memories from my week included doing the griddy dance move every time during Meal Train because one of the kids loved it. I also loved doing the face painting during stage night.” – Anthony 

“One of my campers, who has been to Roundup numerous times, insisted on “practicing” for no-hands spaghetti night during almost every meal. As a first-time volunteer, I was in for a fun surprise when they asked me for permission to “practice” and then proceeded to plant their face directly into their pancakes and eggs.” – Kelsey 

Overall, the campers and counselors found great connection and impacted each other for years to come.  

“This experience will directly shape how I approach medicine as a future physician. Working with kids who were initially shy about their medical conditions and watching how quickly that changed once they felt safe and understood, reinforced how much trust shapes our relationships with patients. It affects what they are willing to share, which directly impacts the care we can provide them.” – Emily 

“Volunteering as a cabin leader was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to medical students who are considering Roundup River Ranch for their Service Learning opportunity. It was a great opportunity to disconnect from academic responsibilities and develop a better understanding of the challenges faced by children living with chronic illnesses.” – Kelsey 

“The whole week warmed my heart and will keep me going for many many years!” – Anthony 

“It was such a privilege to be part of this mission, and I felt grateful for all the hard work y’all put in to make this such a seamless week of camp. Speaking for all of us at CU, this was a really special experience that we won’t forget, and many, if not all, will want to return in the future as Cabin Leads again or even medical volunteers when we are Physicians.” – Adam