Ranch Provides Safe Place For Kids With Health Challenges
GYPSUM, Colo. (CBS4) - They say laughter is the best medicine, and we found plenty of that out at the Roundup River Ranch on Thursday.
Nestled up again the Colorado River, the summer camp offers kids from across Colorado and the region an escape from their medical issues and gives them a chance to just be kids.
Campers can take a true vacation from being "a patient" and get back to the fun of being a child, according to camp director Sterling Leija.
During a tour, CBS4's crew watched as kids facing kidney failure were kayaking, playing kickball and creating artistic masterpieces. It's a one-to-one ratio of staff and campers, and that allows the kids to really just focus on the fun not the medical conditions they have.
Established 10 years ago and part of the Paul Newman network of camps for kids, camp directors tell us the healing power of laughter, friendship and shared experiences offer kids the chance to make new friends, find the courage to try activities they never thought possible and build confidence.
LINK: Roundup River Ranch: Learn Why Camp Matters
In order to keep campers safe during their stay, the camp offers full medical, physical and emotional support from health care professionals, trained staff and dedicated volunteers.
Roundup River Ranch is free of charge for all kids and their families. The camp is funded through donations.
Additional Resources
For more on the camp visit roundupriverranch.org.
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.