Juvenile Arthritis Activities
JA Family Education Day
A one-day conference and annual event held on a Saturday in April, featuring health/medical professionals from Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco. Parents enjoy interactive discussions with pediatric rheumatologists and workshop leaders from both of these outstanding universities. Children's activities are educational and fun. Attended by over 100 family members, health/medical professionals and volunteers, Juvenile Arthritis Family Education Day provides parents with current juvenile arthritis information and the opportunity to build social support ties to other families. This program raises awareness that kids get arthritis, too. View photos.
Camp Milagros
Established in 2002, Camp Milagros (Spanish for "Miracles") is the only camp in Northern California developed specifically for children with JA or related disease. This camp provides these children with the opportunities to build new friendships, enjoy the outdoors, develop new skills and increase their self-esteem. Camp Milagros is a 4 day/3 night camp offered to children ages 8-13 with diagnosed arthritis or related rheumatic disease. Camp staff consists of: Counselors, Junior Counselors, Camp Director and Arthritis Foundation Staff. Pediatric Rheumatologists and Nurses are on-site 24 hours a day. View the 2008 Camp Milagros Video or View 2008 Camp Milagros photos.
JA Teen Retreat
Founded in 2007, the teen retreat is offered to young adults ages 14-18 that are living with arthritis or rheumatic disease. This is a 3 day/2 night retreat for teenagers to meet new friends and have a fun weekend exploring San Francisco. It will also give teens time to talk about the difficult transitions and challenges facing them as they adjust to high school and college life. View Photos
JA Young Adult Education Day
A new event for 2009 designed specifically for young adults with juvenile arthritis or related rheumatic disease. JA Young Adult Education Day will be a day for both young adults diagnosed as children and for young adults diagnosed after the age of 18. There will be interactive discussions and workshops led by medical/health professionals from Northern California. Discussion topics may include: college, pregnancy, work, relationships, exercise, complimentary therapies, and emotional well-being. The hope is that this will provide young adults with current JA and other rheumatic disease information as well as the opportunity to build social support with other young adults in Northern California.
