In just his second year at Roundup River Ranch, Jonah already calls camp his second home. From Colorado Springs, Jonah is able to attend camp because of his Sickle Cell Anemia diagnosis. His mom first discovered Roundup River Ranch through social media, and Jonah has been counting down to camp ever since.
“I love it here, and I can’t wait to come back every year,” Jonah shared.
Jonah’s journey to camp began on a 25-minute donated private flight arranged for campers with Sickle Cell Anemia. Because driving through high elevations can be dangerous for those with Sickle Cell, the pressurized cabin provides a safe and comfortable way to travel. Each year, AeroColorado generously donates this flight, making it possible for campers like Jonah to experience camp safely.
Once he arrived, Jonah quickly settled into the routine and the activities camp has to offer, especially loving Archery and Equestrian.
“Archery is just cool,” he explained. “And my mom had a horse growing up, so I’ve always felt attached to them.”
For Jonah, however, the true highlight of Roundup River Ranch has been the people. He reunited this year with his friend, Z, who he met last summer in the same cabin. He also lit up talking about his counselor James, who was one of the first faces to greet him upon his first arrival at camp. Jonah was excited to learn that he would be in the same cabin with James this year.
At home, Jonah’s a dedicated basketball player. At camp, though, he’s learned more than athletic skills.
“It’s taught me how to express my feelings and just have a good time,” he shared with a smile.
When asked what he would do to help a nervous new camper, Jonah’s advice was, “The counselors are amazing. They help you with anything, especially if you’re homesick.”
It truly is the support from these amazing counselors that creates a sense of belonging for the campers, and Jonah feels it deeply.
“You don’t need to fit in. Everyone here is different and that brings us together.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
