It’s officially summer! The school year is ending in most parts of the country. And with it, the kickoff to summer camp season, which seemingly has become a rite of passage for many school age kids. But what about celiac kids? Are there gluten-free summer camp options for children with Celiac Disease or other forms of gluten intolerance?
Below we list some summer camp experiences that, according to our Internet research, are inclusive camps, either specifically catering to children with celiac disease or promoting a gluten-free friendly atmosphere.
Gluten-free summer camp list
Some reputable completely gluten-free summer camp experiences in the U.S. that cater to kids with Celiac Disease are highlighted below. Information provided is based on our desk research, with most details coming straight from the camp websites.
A more exhaustive list of camps, which provide dedicated gluten-free meals to celiac campers can be found in this article by the National Celiac Association (NCA).
1. Camp Celiac – Hardwick, NJ
Camp Celiac is a summer camp specifically designed for children with Celiac Disease, offering a fully gluten-free environment and a range of activities. In previous years, Camp Celiac was held at Camp Aldergate in N. Scituate, RI. The new location for 2024 is at Happiness is Camping (HIC) in Hardwick, NJ.
Founded in 2000, Camp Celiac’s amenities include woods, fields, and trails, including a pool, small lake for boating and fishing, archery range, ropes course, nature center, outdoor sports fields, a gymnasium, dining hall, health lodge, and more.
Camp Celiac Mission Statement:
“Camp Celiac is committed to providing an exciting and adventurous week of camp while maintaining a totally gluten free diet for campers ages 8-16. The camp provides a safe environment to build long-lasting relationships and celebrates the joy of living life gluten free.”
What you need to know:
Location: Happiness is Camping (HIC) / Camp Celiac
Address: 62 Sunset Lake Rd., Hardwick, NJ 07825
Phone: (916) 623-5422
2024 Summer Camp dates: Jul 28 – Aug 2, 2024
How long camp lasts: 1 week
Age of campers: 8-16
Website: https://campceliac.org/
2. Camp Celiac at Camp Arroyo (Northern California)
The Taylor Family Foundation sponsors this camp, located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since its founding in 2007, Camp Celiac at Camp Arroyo offers a gluten-free experience for children ages 9-17 who have been medically diagnosed with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance.
Camp Arroyo is 138 acres featuring traditional camp activities such as a ropes course, rock climbing, zip-lining, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, talent share, skit night, and outdoor sports, according to the camp website. All food served, which includes meals and snacks, are gluten-free.
What you need to know:
Location: Happiness is Camping (HIC) / Camp Celiac
Address: 5535 Arroyo Rd, Livermore, California 94550
Phone: (925) 371-8401
2024 Summer Camp dates: July 15 – 20, 2024
Registration opens: Feb 1, 2024 – Camp is currently FULL
Age of campers: 9-17, who are medically diagnosed with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance
Website: https://www.celiaccamp.com/
Quotes pulled directly from the camp website
3. Twin Cities Gluten Free Summer Camp (aka Camp R.O.C.K.)
Twin Cities R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) hosts a Gluten Free Summer Camp in Minnesota at True Friend’s Camp Courage in Maple Lake, Minn. Among the activities, fun and adventures are: ROCK’s Got Talent, Dance Party, Capture the Flag, a chocolate fountain, Nature Club, Art Club, ZooBreak, and Bonfires.
What you need to know:
Location: Lakeside of True Friend’s Camp Courage in Maple Lake, Minnesota
Address: 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN 55358
Phone: (952) 852-0101
2024 Summer Camp dates: July 14 – 19, 2024
Age of campers: 8-17 who have celiac disease or who are on a gluten-free diet and their siblings
Registration: Feb 14 – May 1, 2024; after May 1, registration opens up to friends of registered campers
Website: https://twincitiesrock.org/camp/
Find additional gluten-free summer camp experiences
The list we provided above represents just a handful of examples of gluten-free summer camp options. There may be other gluten-free summer camps available in different regions of the country.
So, here are some tips for parents on how you can find them and the kinds of research you need to do:
- Connect with your local Celiac Association chapter or GIG and ask if they know of additional camps or resources in your area.
- Research each gluten-free summer camp’s policies and accommodations to ensure they meet your needs, but more specifically the special dietary requirements of your Celiac or gluten-intolerant children.
Happy camping! Have a great gluten-free summer!
Additional resources: Check out this extensive state-by-state list compiled by the National Celiac Association (NCA): Summer Camps for Children with Celiac Disease