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.

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

About Camp Joint Adventures

Camp Joint Adventures offers children and teens with rheumatic conditions a safe, supportive and fun-filled week of summer camp in the Southeast. Hosted at the beautiful Camp Cole near Columbia, South Carolina, campers ages 8 to 17 can connect with peers who understand their experiences while enjoying all that camp has to offer.

From swimming, fishing, boating and archery to arts and crafts, zip lining and the high ropes course — every day brings new adventures and opportunities to grow. Campers participate in group games, evening campfires and special themed activities designed to build confidence, independence and lasting friendships.

Throughout the week, campers learn more about their health in a supportive environment, gaining coping and self-advocacy skills that empower them year-round. Surrounded by caring medical volunteers and counselors, they discover that camp isn’t just a place to have fun, it’s a place to belong.

Sample Daily Schedule
•   Wake up and get ready!
•   Breakfast
•   Meds
•   Opening ceremony and first program
•   Kayaks
•   Archery
•   Lunch
•   Cabin chill out and rest time
•   All-Camp activity
•   Swim
•   Gaga Ball
•   Dinner
•   Meds
•   Camper’s choice — jumping pillow, 4 square, crafts)
•   Evening activity
•   Night meds and cabin wind-down
•   Lights out

Camp Leadership and Staff

Caitie Dailey, Arthritis Foundation JA Camp Manager

Caitie is a dedicated professional with over 12 years of experience in youth community engagement and nonprofit work. Caitie is a juvenile arthritis (JA) patient herself! A former camper, counselor and volunteer camp director, Caitie was diagnosed at age 11 with a rheumatic disease. Currently, she serves as the camp manager for several JA 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.

Taylor Brost, MESH Director

Taylor is a Nationally Certified Counselor and Middle School Counselor at Gwinnett County Public Schools. He has been a school counselor for eight years and has worked with the Arthritis Foundation and JA camps since 2022. He loves hiking and playing with his two dogs, Abraham and Marvin. Abraham followed in Taylor's footsteps and recently became a Certified Therapy Dog, and the two will hopefully continue to provide support wherever they go for many years to come.

Sheetal Vora, MD, Co-Medical Director

Dr. Vora is pumped to be one of the camp docs at the very first Camp Joint Adventures at Camp Cole in South Carolina — especially since she gets to do it alongside her awesome friends, Dr. Emily Beil and Dr. Emily Vara!

She’s been a doctor for 17 years and works as a pediatric rheumatologist at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not at work, you will find her cooking something tasty, taking long walks, or just chilling with her husband and two teenage boys.

Dr. Vora loves being silly with her patients and is all about having fun — so she’s totally ready for an unforgettable time with all the campers!

Emily Biel, MD, Co-Medical Director

Dr. Beil is a pediatric rheumatologist at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas, where she also completed her medical school training and participated in rheumatology research. She was brought to Charlotte for her pediatric residency training, where she fell in love with the city and people. She went back to Texas, where she completed her pediatric fellowship training at Texas Children's Hospital, and was excited to accept her first attending position back in Charlotte. Her research and academic interests include the social determinants of health’s influence on rheumatic diseases, medical education, and developing patient and family educational materials. She and her husband, Richard, love supporting their alma mater, the University of Texas Longhorn football team and relaxing outdoors with their dogs, Belle and Bear.

Become a Counselor

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.

Become a Counselor

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].

Camp Joint Adventures South Carolina

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