JA Camps

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

JA Camps

Helping Kids Say YES!

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.

2023 In-Person JA Camp COVID-19 Policies

Vaccination Requirements

UPDATED 4/27/2023: Our COVID vaccine requirements and related policies were developed in partnership with a panel of medical experts. The panel reviewed guidance on vaccines for immunocompromised patients from sources like the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Proof of an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for all campers, volunteers, and Arthritis Foundation staff is required and must be provided during the application process to be accepted to the camp program. See the CDC guidance for vaccination recommendations by age and immune system status. We will also be requiring proof of a negative rapid antigen test from all campers, volunteers, and Arthritis Foundation staff 2 to 3 days prior to onsite check-in. You can get free rapid antigen tests sent to your home through May 11 by visiting https://special.usps.com/testkits.

View Vaccination Recommendations

JA Camps Around the Country

The following is a list of JA camps the Arthritis Foundation is hosting in 2023

JA Camps Around the Country

Camp Milagros
Livermore, CA
June 25 – June 29, 2023
Registration closed

Camp Esperanza
Mountain Center, CA
August 7 – August 12, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 7/3/2023

JA Camp Colorado
Deckers, CO
June 25 – June 30, 2023
Registration closed

Camp Ache Away
Lincolnton, GA
June 11 – June 16, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 5/10/2023

Camp Joint Adventures
Lawson, MO
June 5 – June 8, 2023
Registration closed

Camp Sisu
Maple Lake, MN
July 23 – July 28, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 5/15/2023

Camp JRA|CHAT
Millville, PA
July 16 – July 21, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 5/15/2023

Camp KODA
Park City, UT
August 5, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 6/02/2023

Camp M.A.S.H.
Wisconsin Dells, WI
August 6 – August 11, 2023
Registration closed

OTHER JA Camp Programs

National Virtual Camp
Via ZOOM
July 10 – July 14, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 6/2/2023

Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock
Fairlee, VT
August 14 - 20, 2023
Register
Scholarship Application

KATFISH Family Camp
Auburn, WA
July 28 – July 30, 2023
Registration open 2/6/2023 – 6/2/2023

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 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

Volunteer

Ever thought of being a camp counselor?

Being a counselor at JA Camp is FUN and rewarding! If you need volunteer, practicum or observation hours, this may qualify, and we can help! Click here to get started with your volunteer application.

Apply Now

JA Camp 2022

[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 Camp FAQs for Families & Volunteers

What goes on at JA Camp?

At JA Camp, our activities and schedule very 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 horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts, swimming, rock wall climbing, and high or low ropes courses. We also include special programming that we call intentionally set programming, which are 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?

Most JA Camp facilities have cabins with bathroom/showers. Housing is separated by gender. Camp Counselors also reside in the cabins with campers.

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. We aim to announce dates and open registration by the end of January 2023 for the camp season of summer 2023.

Is there transportation to and from the camps?

We currently do not provide transportation to or from JA Camp, but we will continue to assess this possibility on a camp-by-camp basis as needed and as is deemed safe by our medical advisory committee in relation to COVID-19.

What is the age range for campers?

For most camps, our camper age range is 8-17 years old. However, some camps welcome campers as young as 7, and some have a maximum age of 16. KATFISH and National Virtual Camp are exceptions to this.

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 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 if the condition is a mental health condition). Whether or not a child with an additional health condition can attend camp is left to the sole discretion of the medical director (or mental health director) of the camp.

How do I join a camp?

To join a camp, either as a camper or as a volunteer, you will need to register using the link below the respective listing in the JA Camps Around the Country section on this web page. Please note that the links are different for camper and volunteer registration. Once you have submitted your child’s application, it will be reviewed by the medical and mental health directors of the camp you applied for, as well as our JA Camp Staff. If there are questions about your application, a medical team or staff member will reach out to you. Volunteers will also need to go through an interview and background check process.

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

Please allow 2 to 4 weeks from the time you submit your child’s registration application until you are notified. If you have any questions or have not heard back from us after 4 weeks, please reach out to [email protected].

Want to apply to be a camp counselor/volunteer?

Ever thought of being a camp counselor?

Being a counselor at JA Camp is FUN and rewarding! If you need volunteer, practicum, or observation hours, this may qualify, and we can help! Click here to get started with your volunteer application.

National Supporting Sponsors

Thank you to our 2023 National JA Camps sponsors for making this memorable experience possible.

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