Meet Camper Ari
Summer Camp 3: Neurologic & Genetic Conditions
“People are kind of similar to me. It’s pretty cool.”
For Ari, Neurologic and Genetic Conditions camp session at Roundup River Ranch was more than just a summer camp. It was a place where kids with shared experiences built lasting friendships and discovered they belonged.
Ari first learned about Roundup River Ranch through his doctor at his Spina Bifida clinic. This was his first summer at camp, and from the moment he arrived, he found something he didn’t expect – friends who understood him in ways others often couldn’t.
One of those friendships was with Bryce.
“His name is Bryce, and he’s in a wheelchair like me,” Ari shared. “And I try to help him out as best I can if he needs anything, and we talk every day.”
Having common interests made it easy to connect, but for Ari, their friendship quickly became about much more than living life in a wheelchair. It was built on shared experiences, understanding, and the simple comfort of being around someone who just “got it.”
At Roundup River Ranch, Ari was surrounded by campers who understood what it was like to live with a neurologic or genetic condition. Instead of feeling different, he found a community where similarities became friendships, and friendships became confidence.
When Ari thought about what he would tell someone coming to camp for the first time, his advice was simple.
“I think you’ll have a great time,” he said. “Be brave. Just hang out with friends and counselors.”
With countless activities to choose from, Ari was confident there was something for everyone.
“Oh, my. You’ll probably have a good time. There’s a bunch of stuff you could do,” he shared with a smile.
For Ari, The Power of Camp was found in friendships that continued long after the week ended. Through shared experiences, meaningful connections, and a community that understood him, he had found a place where he could be himself, support others, and create new memories.
