JA Camps

The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camps give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

2026 Pre-Registrations Opens Monday, December 8

JA Camps

JA Camp: Adventure Awaits!

Arthritis Foundation camps are FUN, safe and secure for children and teens with juvenile arthritis and childhood rheumatic diseases. Campers make lifelong friends, gain a greater understanding of their own juvenile arthritis, increase independence and self-confidence, and discover new skills and interests. Our JA camps are medically supervised by health care professionals on-site to tend to your child’s needs. Registration is open annually December to March.

[The JA camp] gave him confidence, taught him life skills and helped him to know he is not alone. He made new, lifelong friends.

Mom of a JA Camper

JA Camps Around the Country

CALIFORNIA

Northern California
Livermore, CA
July 2026

Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
June 2026

COLORADO

Colorado
Deckers, CO
June 2026

KANSAS/MISSOURI

Missouri
Lawson, MO
June 2026

MINNESOTA

Minnesota
Maple Lake, MN
July 2026

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania
Millville, PA
July 2026

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina
Camp Cole, Eastover, South Carolina
July 6-10, 2026

UTAH

Utah
August 2026

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin
August 2026

Other JA Camp Programs

WASHINGTON

Washington Family Camp
Auburn, WA
July 2026

THIRD PARTY CAMPS

The following camps host camp weeks catered to children with rheumatic diagnoses but are not affiliated with the Arthritis Foundation. Please follow the links for more information and reach out to the camp facility with any questions.

Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock: https://childrens.dartmouth-health.org/rheumatology/camp-dartmouth-hitchcock
Fairlee, VT

Camp Boggy Creek: https://www.boggycreek.org/
Location: Orlando, FL

Camp Aldersgate: https://campaldersgate.net/
Location: Little Rock, AR

Flying Horse Farms: https://flyinghorsefarms.org/contact/
Location: Columbus, OH

Double H: https://www.doublehranch.org/
Location: Albany, NY

Camp John Marc: https://www.campjohnmarc.org/
Location: Dallas, TX

Camp Holiday Trails: https://campholidaytrails.org/
Location: Charlottesville, VA

Camp Wekandu: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/r/rheumatology/patients/camp
Location: Clarksville, OH

JA Camp Polar: https://www.schoolcareworks.com/registration/campfirealaska/start_registration.jsp
Location: Anchorage, AK

Become a Counselor

Looking for a summer adventure that truly makes a difference?

At JA Camp, kids with juvenile arthritis come together to build friendships, try new things and discover just how much they can do. As a volunteer counselor, you’ll:

Be a role model — cheer campers on, encourage them to try new activities and help them shine.
Bring the fun — from campfires to crafts to silly theme days, you’ll help create memories that last a lifetime.
Make an impact — offer support, laughter and encouragement that empowers campers to feel strong and confident.

Counselors must be 18 or older, and for the best camper experience, parents/guardians are not eligible to volunteer.

No medical experience is needed — just enthusiasm, compassion and a big camp spirit! We’ll provide all the training and support you need. The process includes an application, interview, background check, virtual training and on-site orientation.

Apply today. Spots fill fast and campers are counting on you!

Become a Counselor

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook About JA Camp

Over the years, juvenile arthritis camps have changed the lives of so many kids nationwide. If you’re thinking about signing up your child, we can help you think it through in our parent handbook.

Download Handbook

JA Camp FAQs

What goes on at JA camp?

At JA Camp, our activities and schedule closely resemble that of a traditional summer camp, but with adaptations that make our programming more accessible to campers with a wide range of needs. Some activities might include archery, arts and crafts, swimming, rock wall climbing and high or low ropes courses. We also include intentional programming, activities that incorporate educational components and create positive change for our campers. This programming typically focuses on social, emotional and mental health; improving physical health; and better experience of medical care.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Sleeping arrangements vary by camp location. Most JA Camps have cabins, with restrooms and showers either in the cabin or in a nearby, accessible facility within a short walking distance. At Family Camp, housing is typically lodge-style with private bathrooms. In general, campers and counselors are housed together in cabins or lodge-style accommodations, with housing separated by gender.

When will the camps and dates be listed?

You can find our camp listings on the JA Camps Around the Country portion of this web page.

Is there transportation to and from the camps?

Yes, but availability is site-specific. At this time, the only JA Camps offering transportation are Southern California and Wisconsin. We will continue to assess the possibility of expanding transportation options on a camp-by-camp basis.

What is the age range for campers?

Our camper age range is 8-17 years old. JA Family Camp accommodates family members of all ages and must include at least one parent and one child.

Can a child with other non-rheumatic conditions still attend camp?

One of the requirements to attend camp is that the camper is diagnosed with juvenile arthritis or a childhood rheumatic disease. A child may still be able to attend camp if they have additional health conditions, but this will likely warrant a discussion with the camp’s medical director or mental health director. Additional paperwork may be required from your child’s providers. Whether or not a child with an additional health condition can attend camp is left to the discretion of the medical or mental health director.

What is the cost of camp?

JA Camp is $25 for resident camp and $50 for family camp (up to 4 people). If you need assistance with this cost, please contact [email protected].

How do I join a camp?

To become a camper, a parent or guardian must complete the camper registration form and have the application accepted. Each application is carefully reviewed by the camp’s medical and mental health directors, along with our JA Camp staff, and if any questions come up, a team member will reach out directly. If you’d like to join as a volunteer, you can apply using the separate volunteer link. Volunteers go through an application review, interview and background check to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.

How soon will I receive information on the camps after I register?

You will receive a confirmation email after registering your camper with next steps. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks after registration closes to be notified of acceptance. If you have any questions or have not heard back from us after registration closes, please reach out to [email protected].

JA Camp 2025

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