Juvenile Arthritis

For children ages 8-17 with arthritis and rheumatic disease, because...

"Children Have Arthritis Too!" 

July 26 – July 31 2009

Camp CHAT will be held at the beautiful, totally accessible Easter Seals Camp Merry Heart in Hackettstown, NJ.  Children and teens can participate in group games, zip line, paint ball, the challenge course and other team building activities. Additionally, the campers can swim in the outdoor pool and boat and fish in the lake.

It is staffed by trained counselors and activity specialists, as well as  young adult volunteers with arthritis who serve as role modes and lead the educational activities. 

Additionally, a Pediatric Rheumatologist will be present at the camp during the day, and a minimum of two nurses will be on site around the clock in case of medical emergencies.

To request a registration packet, please contact Gloria at: 

732-283-4300, ext. 321.

Below are just a few of the comments from previous campers: 

"It makes me feel great...I can be who I am." 

"A place where you learn about the best qualities in yourself." 

"A place to get away from stress and have fun!" 

"I have found other people just like me so they understand my problems." 

"Fun, laughter, excitement...making new friends."

JA Conference

The Juvenile arthritis conference is held annually at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Typically scheduled for a Saturday in March, the Conference provides educational opportunities for children with arthritis and rheumatic disease, their siblings and parents.

Educational workshops are presented by Pediatric Rheumatologists, Opthalmologists, Child Life Specialists, and a variety of health/wellness professionals. Children are involved in age appropriate activites. "Fun" arts and crafts projects, sessions with certified message therapists and make-up specialists are interwoven with educational panel discussions and presentations about living with arthritis.

Photos from JA Conference 2008