JA Camp Teen Retreat

Thank you for your courage in taking this important step in raising a strong, independent teen with JA. We are confident teen retreat will open your teen’s eyes to a whole new world, allowing them to see a complete and fulfilling future is possible with JA. 

Being fully prepared for camp is an important part of your teen’s overall enjoyment, so here is some information geared towards addressing all of your questions and concerns. 

What to expect when you send your child to teen retreat: 

• Our juvenile arthritis teen retreats are medically supervised by pediatric rheumatologists, rheumatology nurses, or other healthcare professionals who are available on-site, 24 hours a day. 

• Counselors, who often live with juvenile arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases themselves, will look after your teen day and night. 

• Your teen will grow while at camp, in unexpected and wonderful ways. 

• Your teen will try some different, amazing activities. 

• Your teen will learn tools and resources to help them transition into adulthood. 

Children who attend an Arthritis Foundation teen retreat must meet certain criteria in order to participate. Eligible applicants must: 

• Have a doctor diagnosed childhood rheumatic disease 

• Display behaviors at home and school that allow them to function in an overnight group setting in a way that does not negatively affect other group members (no biting, kicking, displays of defiant behavior, running away, etc.) 

• Be predominantly independent (bathing, dressing, toileting, sleeping through the night, eating, etc.) 

• If the child has a mental health condition, it must have been managed under medical supervision for at least 6 months prior to start of camp start date. 

• If campers have a comorbidity (epilepsy, diabetes, etc.), it must be managed under medical supervision for the at least the last 6 months 

• Have a desire to participate in daily camp activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, etc. 

• Be comfortable with supervision from adults they are unfamiliar with (for example, volunteer counselors, etc.) 

Our medical team is highly specialized in rheumatology, but in order to provide the safest environment possible for your child who may live with other complications, please provide the most detailed information about your child possible while filling out this application. If your child has additional or special needs that may arise at teen retreat, please let us know beforehand so we can ensure our team can safely care for your child. If your child is not eligible, please consider other camps or teen retreats that might be a better fit. We are happy to help recommend an alternative program to ensure no child goes without similar opportunities. 

Activities vary by teen retreat - some activities may include swimming, high and low ropes course, arts and crafts, fishing and more! Activities may even include things like a campfire or a dance.  

Teen Retreat Goals 

Everything we do at teen retreat is done intentionally. It’s our hope that all participating teens will: 

• Gain a greater understanding of their own diagnosis and treatment 

• Develop peer-to-peer support 

• Increase independence and self-confidence 

• Discover new skills and interests 

• Develop the skills they need to be leaders, advocates, and champions in their everyday lives.