At Roundup River Ranch, “camp magic” is often seen during the fun of Stage Night or the connections formed during Candle Chat. While these moments are magical, much of camp magic happens quietly behind-the-scenes thanks to our team of Stage Hands working tirelessly to ensure camp runs smoothly.
From the Medical Team, to Kitchen Staff and the Facilities Team, these superstars ensure that every detail is perfect so campers can focus on what truly matters: joy, connection, and new adventures.
All year long, our Facilities Team is the backbone of camp as they maintain the land, buildings, program areas, and all the essential systems that make camp safe and beautiful. During the summer months, their efforts are multiplied with the power of volunteers who share a deep understanding of the significance of this work. Longtime volunteers, Dennis and Patty, have been volunteering since the early days. Dennis has become an invaluable part of our Facilities Team every summer and his hands-on contributions and unwavering commitment are felt by everyone, making him a cherished presence.
For the last 12 years, volunteers Patty and Dennis have been at camp making a difference for our campers and our facilities. After Patty found Roundup River Ranch through a colleague in the library system, the two of them have held many roles at camp and volunteered for two sessions last summer!
Patty has seen a lot of changes at camp over the years, including new buildings, additional staff, and advanced programming. “I see more and more emphasis on spaces for children that need to step away or need a special moment, but still not make them feel isolated. It has always been fabulous, but over the years it’s even better.”
When Dennis first started as a facilities volunteer, the role focused on janitorial jobs. Today, Dennis is involved with instrumental projects around camp including land and grass management, plumbing and electrical, and anything else that needs to be done. “I try to be invisible to the campers. I want things to just work. They shouldn’t have to worry about things at camp. It just happens around them… it’s magic. It’s part of the camp magic.”
Patty has volunteered in The Depot and in the cabins and has witnessed connection and belonging happening everywhere at camp. A special highlight Patty cherished last summer was hearing a young camper cheer for her as she completed the Challenge Course. The camper chose to stay behind while the rest of her cabin headed to Trent’s Cookhouse for lunch, just to make sure Patty had someone to cheer her on. She also appreciated sharing the counselor role with a former camper. “One of the children that isn’t a child anymore, is now a counselor. She shared that camp was the first place she ever belonged and felt that someone liked her. It’s so powerful.”
For their “whys,” the happily married couple shares that seeing others happy is what it’s all about. Dennis reflected with happy tears that, “It’s a wonderful experience to see these kids enjoying summer camp. With everything that happens in their lives, they just get to come up here and enjoy it.”
Neither Dennis or Patty could be invisible at camp — their humor, love, and bright personalities light the way in every volunteer role they hold! Camp also lives on for them at home as they share stories, encourage others to volunteer, and enjoy the “Top Ranch Hand” plaque that Dennis was gifted for his tremendous work and positive attitude. Thank you, Patty and Dennis!
