Camp Joint Adventures

The Arthritis Foundation’s Camp Joint Adventures provides kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases a chance to have fun, build confidence and make lasting memories.

June 8 – 12, 2026
Wilderness Camping and Retreat Center, Lawson, MO

About Camp Joint Adventures

Camp Joint Adventures provides a safe and inclusive environment for campers with a variety of rheumatic conditions to come together and enjoy a week of camp. Campers ages 8 to 17 participate in a variety of activities including kayaking, swimming (in a pool and lake), cardboard boat races, tie-dying, creek stomp, fishing, hayrides, campfires and s’mores, dance party, fizzy tag and so much more! Throughout the week, our campers foster strong relationships with peers who understand the same struggles they are going through. Camp Joint Adventure campers will develop coping and advocacy skills, gain a sense of independence, and further their medical knowledge to better understand their diagnoses.

Sample Schedule

Wake up and get ready!
Breakfast
Gentle morning warm-up
Meds
Morning activities (crafts, physical activity, and/or education series)
Lunch
Afternoon activities
Cabin time followed by rest time
Free time
Dinner
Evening activity (varies each day)
Night meds and wind down
Lights out

Camp Joint Adventures Leadership & Staff

Caitie Dailey, Arthritis Foundation JA Camp Manager

Caitie is a dedicated professional with over 12 years of exp erience in youth community engagement and nonprofit work. In 2023, Caitie joined the Arthritis Foundation after serving as the lead volunteer at Camp JRA in Pennsylvania. Caitie is a JA patient herself! A former camper, counselor, and camp director, Caitie was diagnosed at 11 with a rheumatic disease. Currently, she serves as the Camp Manager for several Juvenile Arthritis camps across the U.S., including Camp Joint Adventures. Caitie is committed to empowering children and families affected by juvenile rheumatic diseases, fostering a sense of community, and providing educational and community resources.

Ashley Cooper, MD, Medical Director

Dr. Cooper is a pediatric rheumatologist at Children's Mercy in Kansas City and has been involved with JA camp since 2014. She says camp week is her favorite week of the year! Dr. Cooper got involved with camp and the Arthritis Foundation mostly to support her patients, but she also has psoriatic arthritis, too. In her time away from work, she is a foster parent for teen girls.

Haley Killian, PhD, Mental Health Director

Dr. Killian is a pediatric psychologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Dr. Killian joined Camp Joint Adventures in 2024 and has since become a member of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, supporting JA Camp Mental Health Directors across the country.

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