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.
 

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

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.

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].