Meet Campers Max and Zoe
Summer Camp 2: Heart & Kidney Conditions
For twins Max and Zoe, their summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Roundup River Ranch.
This year marked their second summer attending Heart Week, a special opportunity for them to reconnect with friends, challenge themselves, and make new memories in a place that they had come to love. They were able to attend Heart Week because they were both diagnosed with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve at birth.
To Zoe, camp was the highlight of her summer, something she looked forward to long before she arrived.
“The thing I was looking forward to the most this summer was camp,” said Zoe.
“Camp has impacted me because I just love making friends and I’ve made a lot of friends here,” Nolan said.
While Max and Zoe enjoyed many of the activities camp had to offer, the impact of their experience went far beyond ziplining, fishing, and outdoor adventures. During their time at Roundup River Ranch, they gained confidence, formed meaningful connections, and discovered a community where everyone belongs.
For Max, camp made a lasting difference.
“It’s impacted me in a good way. It makes me happier and makes me want to be a part of more stuff and include people more,” stated Max.
One of his favorite parts of camp was getting outside and trying new activities that he didn’t usually get to do.
“My favorite activity so far was the zipline because it’s fun. Second place would have to go to fishing. It’s calm, it’s relaxing. It’s really nice,” he reflected.
Zoe cherished the welcoming environment and opportunities to grow when at camp.
“I would describe Roundup River Ranch as a life changing experience. Very inclusive, challenging, and just fun,” Zoe said.
That sense of belonging is something that both twins experienced throughout their time at camp. Whether it be hanging out with friends from previous camps or meeting new ones, Roundup River Ranch provided a place where everyone was encouraged to be themselves.
“This camp is so amazing and everything about it just makes you smile,” said Zoe.
As they continued their second Heart Week together, Max and Zoe made memories that will stay with them long after summer ends.
When asked what camp means to her, Zoe reflected on her time, saying that, “coming to camp is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life.”
Both describe Roundup River Ranch as a place of challenges and opportunities. As they finished their second year at camp, they embraced all of it as it came their way.
