Juvenile Arthritis

Featured Event:

A summer camp for kids with juvenile arthritis and related diseases. Camp Dakota is a special camp where children with juvenile arthritis can come to have fun, make new friends and learn more about their disease. The Arthritis Foundation and Bear Lake camp staff organize activities that will help campers build self-esteem, confidence, independence and lasting friendships. NEW THIS YEAR: the camp is currently installing a climbing wall/hydraulic zip line, that allows for anyone to participate, no matter what challenges the camper faces. There are specialized harness and hydraulic system, complete with helmets and proper safety attire for all campers.

July 28, 2013 – August 02, 2013
Location:
3409 N Five Lakes Rd
Lapeer, MI 48446
Contact: Kara Dorda 248-530-5021
Click here to request an application.

Click here to view the camp brochure.

The Arthritis Foundation values families who face the challenges of arthritis and related diseases. Below you can learn about the many opportunities available in your area through the Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Program.

www.KidsGetArthritisToo.org is designed for children to learn about symptoms, treatments, doctor visits, growing up with JA and more.

The Arthritis Foundation Pen Pals
This program provides the opportunity for children with juvenile arthritis or a related condition to make a new friend and share feelings and experiences. Children sign up by filling out a questionnaire and are assigned a pen pal with similar interests.

News

2013 JA Conference Scholarship Applications

Scholarship applications for the National JA Conference are now available! This year’s conference will be held in Anaheim, CA from July 18-21.

Click here for an application and more information.

Juvenile Idiopathic (Rheumatoid) Arthritis and Its Impact on Kids

This autoimmune disorder doesn't just affect elderly people. Sometimes, children are impacted, too. Luckily, treatments and outlooks have improved for kids. This story features Andy Moy and Charlie Stahl, who are long time volunteers at the Arthritis Foundation and do not allow it to control them.

Get Involved

Juvenile Arthritis Alliance (JAA)
The JA Alliance is a virtual community connected through the Arthritis Foundation website. We’re here to provide the resources and opportunities for you to learn, connect and share with others. Click here for more info.

Advocacy
Learn about how you can get involved and make a difference. Click here.

For more information on Juvenile Arthritis programs, please contact Kara Dorda at 800-968-3030 ext. 226 or kdorda@arthritis.org.

Events

2013 Camp Wekandu

Who: Children and teens with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and related conditions (who have completed first grade through high school graduation by the start of camp)
When: June 16-21, 2013
Where: Joy Outdoor Education Center in Clarksville, OH
Cost: $480; financial assistance is available
What: Five-day summer residential camp

Click here for more information and to apply.

Save the Date for the JA 2013 National Conference
July 18-21, 2013
Anaheim, California
The Juvenile Arthritis Conference offers a chance to meet other families going through similar challenges, share stories, learn new techniques for managing juvenile arthritis, and have fun!

Flying Horse Farms’ Rheumatology Camp
July 28 – August 2
To apply, families can go to http://flyinghorsefarms.org/camp/how-to-enroll/. Camp filled up last year, so families will want to apply as soon as possible. In addition to the traditional residential camp, there are spring/fall family camps (where parents and siblings come along too), a sibling camp, a camp for alums older than 15, and a new ranger program for youth 15-18.

Information about those camps is available online or families are welcome to call Morgan Patten at 614-503-5593 or Olivia Miller, admissions coordinator for Flying Horse Farms, at 419-751-7077.

Annie W. Anderson Fall Family Camp
Presented by the Arthritis Foundation
October 5-6, 2013
Joy Outdoor Education Center
Clarksville, Ohio 45113

The camp is designed to give families that have children with arthritis the opportunity to meet other families, learn about arthritis, and have a great family weekend filled with camp activities.

For additional information and/or to request registration forms, contact Kelly Case at 1-800-383-6843/Ext 4060 or kcase@arthritis.org