Parents who would like their celiac kids to experience a traditional summer camp need to start planning for it during the winter. Camps with gluten-free sessions start to put their registration forms online in January. Fortunately, there are a variety of gluten-free summer camps to choose from. Some allow non-celiac siblings to attend as well.
In most cases, you'll need to sign up with the camp and with the organization sponsoring the gluten-free sessions.
Have you or your children been to a gluten-free summer camp? At the bottom of this list of camps, follow the Readers Respond link and share your experience.
Camp Sponsor: The Georgia Celiac Foundation
Location: Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GeorgiaDates: May 8 to 10, 2009
Camp Wee-Kan-Eat-It Family Weekend is for any family (adults and children) with a family member with celiac disease.
Details: Camp is held at Camp Twin Lakes, a state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility located on 500 acres. In 2008, camp cost about $350 per family. Scholarships are likely to be available. Other allergies can be accommodated.
Camp Sponsor: Dallas R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids)
Location: Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TexasDates: June 14 to 19, 2009
For children ages 7 to 15
Details: The Great Gluten Escape at Camp Gilmont gives campers the opportunity to participate in all camp activities without concern for the gluten content of the food provided. The camp prides itself on letting kids escape from the daily peer pressure of the "I can't have that" syndrome. This camp also welcomes siblings between the ages of 7 to 15 who do not have celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, or gluten intolerance (although all food will be gluten free).
Camp Sponsor: The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
Location 1: Camp Kanata, Wake Forest, North CarolinaDates: June 21 to 27, 2009
Location 2: Camp Sealth, Vashon Island, Washington
Dates: July 28 to August 3; Aug 4 to 7; or July 28 to August 7, 2009
Details: GIG Kids Camps are mainstream, integrated camps, where kids must be aware of what foods are safe and not safe, ask questions and can talk others about their eating restrictions. Camp counselors are trained by GIG Staff. GIG assures gluten-free substitutions are available for meals and any activity the kids might do. Each GIG Kids Camp has a GIG dietitian on site. Important: Register for GIG Kids Summer Camp programs at Camp Kanata and Camp Sealth, and then send a copy of your child’s registration to GIG with the GIG Camp Forms.
Camp Sponsor: Camp Westminster
Location: Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake in Roscommon, MichiganDates: Children ages 7 to 14, June 21 to 27, 2009; Families, July 1 to 5, 2009
Details: This week promises all the fun of Camp Westminster, with food accurately and sensitively prepared by experienced cooks, for a traditional week of camp for children and youth with sensitivities to foods containing gluten and casein.
Camp Sponsor: Georgia R.O.C.K.
Location: Camp Will-A-Way at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, GeorgiaDates: July 26 to 31, 2009
Details: Georgia R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) is sponsoring Camp Weekaneatit. Camp Weekaneatit will be the only camp in residence during the week, and only gluten-free foods will be prepared. Campers will sleep in cabins with 8 to 10 campers of their age and 3 to 4 adult counselors. Each day will start with breakfast and end with an evening program. There will be a dance, games, pool parties and a talent show during the week. Medical staff will be available 24 hours a day. Camp fee is $250 per camper.
Camp Sponsor: Celiac Disease Foundation
Location: Camp Arroyo, Livermore, CaliforniaDates: July 26 to 31, 2009
For campers ages 9 to 17.
Details: Camp Arroyo, an old-fashioned summer camp for kids, offers a gluten-free week at no charge except for a $25 registration fee per camper. The camp encourages adults to volunteer as camp counselors, promising an amazing gluten-free camp experience for them, too.
Camp Sponsor: Celiac Sprue Association
Location: Camp Aldersgate, North Scituate, Rhode IslandDates: August 9 to 14, 2009
For children and youth with celiac disease ages 7 to 16.
Details: Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009, Camp Celiac is one of the largest gluten-free camps in the United States, with children coming from across the United States and abroad. The camp is closed to all other groups during the gluten-free sessions, to allow for a gluten-free dining hall and atmosphere. Camp Celiac provides a full-time, registered nurse licensed in the state of Rhode Island to handle all medical needs including medications. Scholarships are available.
Camp Sponsor: Michigan Capital Celiacs/DH
Location: Camp Manitou-Lin on the shores of Ol' Lake Barlow in Middleville, MichiganDates: August 16 to 21, 2009
For children ages 7 to 14
Details: Camp fee is $450 for the week (a $75 deposit is required to hold a spot). Camp Manitou-Lin, on 160 acres, is a branch of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Seventeen heated and carpeted cabins with bathrooms and showers will house campers, 10 to a cabin. For information, write to eclansingmi@yahoo.com or glutenfreemichigankidscamp@yahoo.com.
