Roundup River Ranch, a Gypsum-based nonprofit that offers children with life-altering diagnoses and their families the opportunity to embrace joy, create connections, foster independence, and build hope, is excited to announce a significant expansion for the summer of 2025. Known for its medically-supported, cost-free camp programs, Roundup River Ranch is now accepting applications for upcoming summer sessions, including an exciting new addition: the first-ever Behavioral Health & Wellness Camp in partnership with Vail Health Behavioral Health.

With youth mental health concerns on the rise, families are struggling to find safe and supportive spaces for children who need extra care. Roundup River Ranch is stepping up to meet this critical need with this game-changing program. The new Behavioral Health & Wellness Camp will provide the same supportive, cost-free experience that Roundup River Ranch is renowned for, but with specialized mental health support designed to help children thrive. This unique opportunity will prioritize Eagle County residents and is part of a broader effort to ensure that more children and families have access to the benefits of camp.

Expanding Eligibility for Behavioral Health Diagnoses

This summer, Roundup River Ranch is expanding its eligibility criteria to include children with primary behavioral health diagnoses.

Qualifying behavioral health diagnoses include:

  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Anxiety (generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder)
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Acute Stress Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorder

This change will allow kids with mental health diagnoses to experience the joy of camp in a safe and medically supported environment. These changes are designed to give children struggling with mental health challenges the same opportunity to connect with others, engage in meaningful activities, and build skills for independence and resilience.

Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Environment

To ensure a positive experience for every camper, Roundup River Ranch has a few exclusionary criteria. These are in place to protect the safety and well-being of all participants and to ensure that every camper can fully benefit from the experience:

  • Children who have been hospitalized within the last six months must provide special clearance from their healthcare provider.
  • Campers with uncontrolled aggressive behavior, severe eating disorders, or acute psychotic disorders may not be able to attend.

These criteria ensure that each camper is ready for the camp experience, allowing them to fully embrace the camp’s benefits.

Fun Activities and the “Embrace Joy” Mission

Roundup River Ranch isn’t just about support—it’s about fun, growth, and the chance to build meaningful relationships. Campers can expect a wide range of activities designed to promote both physical and emotional well-being. Some of the most popular activities include:

  • Horseback riding
  • Archery
  • Ziplining
  • Boating and fishing
  • Variety show

Creating Connections and Fostering Independence

Roundup River Ranch believes in the power of connection. Kids who may feel isolated due to their medical or behavioral health diagnoses have the opportunity to meet and bond with other children facing similar challenges. These friendships are vital to fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

The camp also focuses heavily on fostering independence. Through activities and shared responsibilities, campers learn to care for themselves and contribute to their community. For many, it may be their first time away from home, so the experience becomes an important step toward developing confidence and independence.

Additionally, the camp’s mission is centered on helping children embrace joy despite their challenges. Whether it’s learning a new skill or simply laughing with friends around a campfire, the goal is to create a supportive and joyful environment that promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

A Cost-Free, Life-Changing Experience

One of the most important aspects of Roundup River Ranch is that no child ever pays to attend camp. This ensures that families of children with life-altering diagnoses don’t have to worry about the financial burden of sending their child to camp. By removing the cost barrier, the camp provides a respite for families, allowing parents to take a break from the daily demands of caregiving while their children enjoy a fun and supportive experience.

With two summer sessions available and priority registration for Eagle County residents, Roundup River Ranch invites families to apply now for this transformative experience. Whether it’s through the joy of archery, horseback riding, or simply connecting with others, the camp provides a safe and welcoming environment for children to grow and flourish.

If you’re interested in applying for the Behavioral Health & Wellness Camp or learning more about Roundup River Ranch’s other offerings, visit their website for more information. Let your child experience the transformative power of camp and the opportunity to embrace joy this summer!