Washington Family Camp
July 24 – 26, 2026
Auburn, WA
KATFISH Family Camp provides a safe and inclusive environment for families with a child diagnosed with rheumatic disease to come together and enjoy a weekend of camp! Campers and family members of all ages participate in a variety of activities including swimming, rock wall climbing, ropes course, campfires and education around diagnoses and support! Throughout the weekend, our camp families foster strong relationships with others who understand their challenges. We strive to help youth and families develop coping and advocacy skills, increase independence and confidence and gain medical knowledge to further understand their diagnoses.
Friday Evening Arrival
- Dinner, Meet & Greet
- Adult Caregiver Track- Expert speakers covering a range of topics and support, from GI, Uveitis, mental health, school support, and more.
- Teen and Kid Track- Science experiments, crafts, games, learning opportunities in physical and mental health.
- Afternoon Family FUN time- swimming pool, archery, nature walk, crafts, PLUS a campfire and Talent Show!
- Breakfast, additional short sessions, closing ceremony
KATFISH Family Camp Leadership & Staff
Noelle Johnson, JA Camp Manager
Noelle Johnson is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in youth community engagement and nonprofit work. In 2023, Noelle joined the Arthritis Foundation after receiving her own rheumatic diagnosis, deepening her passion for supporting others in similar situations. Currently, she serves as the Camp Manager for several Juvenile Arthritis camps across the U.S. Noelle is committed to empowering children and families affected by juvenile arthritis, fostering a sense of community, and providing resources for both education and emotional support. Noelle’s favorite part of camp is watching the Talent Show and cheering campers on during ropes course!
Stephen Wong, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Wong obtained his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He completed his pediatric residency at Loma Linda University and pediatric rheumatology fellowship at University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Wong has been on staff as pediatric rheumatologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital since 2020 and heads the Inflammatory Brain Disorders Clinic. He also holds positions on the Arthritis Foundation Great West Medical Advisory Board and Arthritis Foundation DEI Science Summit Committee. Dr. Wong has participated in multiple Arthritis Foundation JA camps as speaker and medical volunteer. In his spare time, he enjoys wildlife/nature photography, playing badminton and spending time with his wife and dog.
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 CounselorJA Camp = Fun, Friendships and Lifelong Memories
JA Camp = Fun, Friendships and Lifelong Memories
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.
National Supporting Sponsors
Thank you to our 2025 National JA Camps sponsors for making this memorable experience possible.
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