It began with a little boy’s simple request: “Mommy, you need to bring the kids up here and show them how to have fun.”

A dream grew from the heart of a little boy whose life changed when one person believed that everyone should have a chance to live before they die—and that love could conquer any obstacle when God’s hand was upon it.

With the help of friends Kristen Klaassen, Kathy Nuanes, and a dedicated group of volunteers, we held the very first Camp Ray-Ray at St. Malo Retreat Center in Allenspark, Colorado, May 26–28, 1995. It was the first family camp of its kind in the nation.

It rained. It was cold. But the weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

We didn’t really know what we were doing, but we knew what mattered: showering families with love and giving them a chance to simply have fun. Elvis rocked the house! There were crafts, horseback rides, massages, haircuts, nail and face painting, and mini-Olympics. Fifteen families came together to laugh, play, and share a common bond.

For 16 years, St. Malo was our home. We moved camp to Labor Day weekend in hopes of nicer weather, welcomed more families, and added new activities—including a huge casino night. Volunteers worked hard all year to raise money and then gave up the last weekend of their summer to work even harder, surrounding our families with love.

Everyone looked forward to returning to that magical place, where each year brought a new theme, new activities, and familiar faces. Everyone was treated with dignity, and there was an unspoken bond that helped calm the darkest fears, allowing friendships, laughter, and fun to unfold.

When lightning struck St. Malo and fire destroyed the retreat center, the Camp Ray-Ray committee found a new place to bring our families. We knew by then that Camp Ray-Ray wasn’t a place. It was a unique experience founded in love.

For the next 13 years, Camp Ray-Ray was held at YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch. There were new places to explore and a whole campus of activities, including the infamous tubing hill and KIVA Center. More families. More volunteers. More love. The dream continued, with only a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic disruption that permanently closed many other camps across the country.

As costs rose and threatened the future of the dream, God provided.

Through a series of very unfortunate events, we stumbled upon Winter Park Resort—a place that seemed well beyond our wildest dreams. Yet it became clear that God wanted the dream to continue. Between the generosity of the Resort and the incredible hospitality of its staff, we knew we had found our new home.

Over the past two years, we have adapted to new surroundings, discovered new activities, and welcomed new families into the Camp Ray-Ray family. And the dream continues.

As I reflect on 30 years, I remember the beautiful faces of families and volunteers, the laughter we’ve shared, the friendships we’ve formed, and, most of all, the love.

Families, volunteers, donors, friends, and supporters have all helped make one little boy’s dream a reality.

No, we didn’t know what we were doing all those years ago.

But God sure did!



This year’s theme, “Christmas in July,” seemed especially fitting. After all, Camp Ray-Ray has always been one of the most wonderful times of the year.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this dream over the past 30 years. I think Ray-Ray and Clarice would enthusiastically give us a standing ovation for three decades of loving, supporting, and celebrating families impacted by HIV.

Cheers to 30 years—and to the dream that continues.

🎄 Magical Moments at Camp Ray-Ray 30: Christmas in July

Thirty years of Camp Ray-Ray gave us plenty to celebrate during our Christmas in July weekend—but some of the most magical moments were the ones no committee could have planned.

🌲 Massage, Music & Mountain Magic

April Ensor of True North Therapeutics in Winter Park shared her gift of massage and these weren't ordinary massages.

April set up her massage mat in the Pines Room near the propped-open doors leading outside. Surrounded by lodgepole pines, whispering mountain breezes, and the gentle sounds of camp families coming and going, she created a peaceful retreat right in the heart of Camp Ray-Ray.

April said what made the experience so special for her was the atmosphere. Her massages are typically performed in the privacy of a treatment room, but at camp, the combination of nature, music, and families simply enjoying one another created something entirely different.

Emily, a mother of six, enjoyed her massage with her two-year-old daughter, Cora, sitting close by, simply content to stay near Mom.

For Anastasia, who uses a wheelchair, the experience was especially memorable. With assistance, she was transferred to the massage mat and experienced her very first massage, helping relax and loosen her tight muscles... And then came the music.

As April worked, Angels Unaware President Anthony Sacco sat nearby with his guitar, sweetly playing and adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

After Emily's massage, she and two of her children approached Anthony. Emily sat down beside him and softly began singing along as he played his guitar.

Then, during April's break, she went to her car and returned with her violin.

Soon, April was playing violin, Anthony was playing guitar, and Emily was singing.

No one scheduled it. No one planned it. It simply happened.

And perhaps that is one of the best examples of what Camp Ray-Ray is all about, creating a place where families and volunteers feel comfortable enough to slow down, connect, and share something beautiful together.

Later, when Anthony played and sang during our Remembrance Ceremony, Emily once again joined him.💙

🥾 Christmas in July at 12,060 Feet

Each morning, campers had an opportunity to lace up their hiking shoes and head into the mountains with guides Dakota, Hunter, Bill, and Will.

Saturday's adventure began with a gondola ride up Winter Park Mountain. The group made its way through a mountain fairyland before embarking on a three-mile hike at an elevation of 12,060 feet.

Sunday's hike stayed closer to the Vintage Hotel, but the trail provided plenty of challenge, and another opportunity to experience Colorado's beautiful mountain surroundings together.

🐴 First Rides & Big Smiles

For some of our youngest campers, another kind of adventure was waiting—horseback riding!

Many of our little campers had never been on a horse before, making the experience both exciting and a little intimidating. With encouragement, patient guidance, and plenty of smiles, they had the opportunity to climb into the saddle and experience the joy of riding.

The experience was especially meaningful for Anastasia, who uses a wheelchair, and Philip, who has Down syndrome. With adaptive equipment and the support of trained wranglers, both were able to safely ride and enjoy an adventure designed to include them.

For their families, watching nearby may have been just as memorable as the ride itself.

These are the moments Camp Ray-Ray treasures—giving children the chance to try something new, discover what they can do, and share an experience alongside other campers.

A first horseback ride may last only a short while, but the confidence, smiles, and memories can last much longer. 🐴💙

We are deeply grateful to the National Sports Center for the Disabled and its trained staff and volunteers for helping make this special experience possible for our campers.

🦌 Let the Reindeer Games Begin!

What would Christmas in July be without Reindeer Games?

The mastermind behind the fun was Laurie McNulty, with Barb, her sons, and Sarah helping bring the games to life.

Campers and volunteers joined in everything from tossing rings onto reindeer antlers and pinning the nose on Rudolph to Christmas Pictionary and our gift exchange. There was plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and family fun.

But even the Reindeer Games were eclipsed by two very special visitors...

Santa and Mrs. Claus! 🎅🤶 (Volunteers Rick and JoAnn Randall)

Every child received a gift from Santa, and there were plenty of pictures, hugs, smiles, and Christmas cheer to go around.

For one weekend in July, the Colorado mountains became our own little North Pole.

And as Camp Ray-Ray celebrated its 30th camp, we were reminded once again that the true magic isn't found in any single activity. It is found in the unexpected moments, the laughter, the friendships, the generosity of others, and the feeling of belonging that happens when Camp Ray-Ray families come together.

🎄 A Little Something for Everyone

The Christmas spirit was everywhere at Camp Ray-Ray 30!

Desi’s Craft Room became our own little North Pole workshop, where campers could make candy wreaths, pour candles, decorate ornaments, and create Christmas wreaths to take home. Desi also brought along her festive photo booth, giving families and volunteers a chance to strike a pose and capture some holiday memories—Christmas sweaters and all! 🎨🎅📸

For our littlest campers, Steffanie’s Sunshine Room (Hill House) provided a safe and welcoming place to play, explore, and just be kids. ☀️💙

There was plenty of friendly competition at Family Bingo, where campers and volunteers gathered for laughs, prizes, and a little good-natured rivalry.

And because Camp Ray-Ray is about more than activities, Kari led our Family Support Group, giving parents and caregivers an opportunity to come together, share experiences, listen, and support one another. Sometimes knowing that another family understands your journey is one of the greatest gifts Camp Ray-Ray can offer.

🕯️ Our Remembrance Ceremony, lovingly led by Anthony, Sarah, and Abi, gave campers a quiet and meaningful time to honor and remember those we have loved and lost, while celebrating the enduring love and memories they left behind. 💙

From crafts and Christmas photos to Bingo, playtime, and meaningful conversations, there was something for everyone—and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy being together. 🎄💙

Two of our teen campers told us this was their favorite Camp Ray-Ray yet. And perhaps one of the greatest compliments came from volunteer/legacy family member Dakota Johnson, who grew up at Camp Ray-Ray. Reflecting on the weekend, he said, "This camp felt the most like the camps we held at St. Malo."