FAST FACTS: |
| Where Washington Family Ranch in Antelope, Oregon |
| Why To connect, have fun, and unite in a shared vision for better metabolic care |
| Who 330 campers |
Presented by |
Community Fair Vendors |
This past June, flok hosted its largest Family Camp yet in Antelope, Oregon. Over 330 campers gathered at Washington Family Ranch for a memorable weekend filled with fun, community connection, and delicious low-protein food. Campers from 23 states and three countries, across five different condition groups, all came together for one vibrant celebration.
Nestled in Oregon’s remote desert highlands, Family Camp feels like a resort oasis—one filled with supportive people who share the rare metabolic condition experience. But at camp, the focus isn’t on our conditions; it’s about enjoying a laid-back adventure with others who just get it.
The camp itinerary offered something for everyone: ropes courses, creative crafts, field games, a talent show, silent disco, and educational small-group breakouts. During free time, campers challenged each other to air hockey in the game room, zipped down waterslides, or chatted around the bonfire. With a balance of group activities and relaxed down time, families could choose their own adventure and pace each day.
Fueling the flok
This year’s campers represented Classical HCU, MSUD, PKU, Tyrosinemia, and Urea Cycle Disorders. While each condition affects the body differently, they all need a low-protein diet and medical formulas.
flok’s dietitian Jenn Beazer worked hard alongside the camp chefs to keep everyone well-fed and smiling all weekend. Her delicious menu featured low-protein favorites like pulled jackfruit on pretzel buns, veggie burgers, breakfast strata, apple muffins, spaghetti, and more.
“Usually when you go to an event, you’re lucky if you can eat a third of what’s being served. Camp was amazing because there was tons of food everywhere that we could all indulge in,” shared Eric, an adult with PKU.
Feeling Right at Home
From the moment you step onto the ranch, camp feels like a welcoming and familiar place. I attended for the first time with my 4-year-old daughter Lottie, who has tyrosinemia. We felt an instant connection with the other families. Seeing so many people carry their bottles of formula felt normalizing, and conversations flowed easily with people who understand our lifestyle.
The ranch setting also felt incredibly safe, with open grassy fields cradled by the surrounding mountains.
Kala, mother to 5-year-old Braxton with PKU, shared a similar sentiment about the camp’s energy and sense of community. “One of the best parts for our kids was the freedom and space to roam, and you knew everyone was looking out for one another.”
She recalled the evening talent show, when performers threw candy into the audience: “We didn’t have to think twice about whether it was low-protein candy, because everyone at camp takes care of each other.”
Learning and Growing Together
At camp “Science Night,” Dr. Daelyn Richards, Dr. Cary Harding, Dr. Michael Martinez, and Laura Young, PhD student, shared updates on gene replacement therapy research for PKU and related conditions. Childcare provided during the session allowed parents to fully engage and learn about the future of metabolic care.
Beyond formal sessions, learning happened organically as parents swapped experiences, teens shared favorite foods, and kids watched older peers navigate life with their conditions. Eric, an adult with PKU, said parents told him how reassuring it was to see adults thriving. “Families with younger children can see we’re leading normal lives—with careers and relationships—even if it’s hard to manage at times.”
Kala also highlighted the value of talking with other parents with teenagers with PKU. “You meet families with older children who are so comfortable talking about their condition—they become people you can really look up to.”
Finding Community & Calm at the Adult Retreat
In the three days leading up to Family Camp West, adults with metabolic conditions gathered on the ranch for flok’s Adult Retreat. The retreat offered time to connect and recharge in a supportive environment.
Activities included go-karting, swimming, group cooking, and the giant swing—an amusement park–style ride that let attendees embrace their inner kid. But often, the most memorable moments were the quiet ones: chatting by the pool or sharing fireside s’mores.
“Just hanging out and talking with people makes you realize there’s a lot of us in the same boat,” said Garrett, an adult with Classical HCU who joined the retreat for the first time.
Eric shared similar feelings, adding, “There were moments talking with friends at the retreat and realizing we’re all dealing with the same thing. It’s really validating and helpful to connect with people who understand how you’re feeling.”
Retreat-goers emphasized the value of deeper conversations about treatment options and foods with others who truly get it—an experience rarely available elsewhere.
Lasting Camp Memories & More Adventures Ahead
flok's Director of Community Engagement, Kristen Vanags, shared gratitude for everyone who made camp possible— “It meant the world to have each of you at camp. I hope your weekend was full of fun, meaningful conversations, and moments that make you smile all year long. Most of all, I hope you left feeling connected, valued, and part of a truly supportive community.”
If you missed it, there’s another chance to join us lakeside for our second annual flok Family Camp East in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, September 18–21. Set on Lake Winnipesaukee at Camp Belknap, campers will enjoy water sports, traditional camp activities, crafts, and more. Registration is open through August 17. Learn more and sign up at flok.org/camp.
