Meet Volunteer Markkus
Summer Camp 1: Gastrointestinal & Liver Conditions, & Celiac
For Markkus, his first summer volunteering at Roundup River Ranch was filled with moments that reminded him why camp is so special. From helping campers feel included to watching them accomplish things they never thought possible, he quickly discovered that some of camp’s biggest victories happen in the smallest moments.
Markkus first heard about Roundup River Ranch from a coworker, who encouraged him to apply. After working with kids in a previous job and missing that connection, he decided to take the leap.
“She told me that it was an incredible opportunity,” he said about his friend’s recommendation.
Once he arrived, camp exceeded every expectation.
“With Roundup, it’s incredible,” Markkus said. “Everything is so organized. I wasn’t expecting the food to be that good. I also wasn’t expecting it to be so pretty.”
As the week unfolded, one camper’s determination left a lasting impression. The camper had attended Roundup River Ranch before but had never been able to overcome a fear of riding horses. This year, that changed.
Markkus watched as the camper climbed into the saddle and rode for the first time.
“I look up and he’s riding a horse,” he recalled. “And I’m like, wow, he did it. I’ve never seen a kid get over their fear that quickly. He came back and he was like, ‘I did it.’”
Watching that moment unfold was one of the highlights of his week.
But camp wasn’t only about the big milestones for Markkus. Sometimes, it’s about making sure every camper feels like they belong.
One camper often struggled to connect with others, but Markkus found common ground through the camper’s passion for basketball.
“I don’t think I changed someone’s life,” he said, “but I included them in whatever was going on in their world.”
The two spent time talking about basketball, a sport the camper knew inside and out.
“He is a savant when it comes to basketball – any game, any player,” Markkus said. “I knew a little bit, and I tried my best and it honestly worked.”
For Markkus, the power of volunteering was found in those everyday moments – helping campers to conquer fears, build confidence, and showing them that someone is willing to meet them where they are.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Roundup River Ranch here.
