Celiac and Gluten Free Summer Camp for Kids

Research has now confirmed what anyone with a gluten free child probably already knew: being around other kids with the same dietary restrictions helps gluten free kids feel normal. Gluten free summer camps for kids are a great way to do just that.

Kids who attend a dedicated gluten free summer camp are buoyed even further: they leave the experience with a more positive outlook and self-perception, as well as an improved sense of well-being and emotional outlook.

“All seemed to benefit from a gluten free summer camp, no longer feeling different from other kids or feeling frustrated with a restricted diet,” reported researchers in the journal Pediatrics. While all of the children enjoyed the camp experience, those who had been on a gluten-free diet for less than four years benefited the most. These children left camp no longer feeling embarrassed or isolated from other kids because of their restricted diet. Campers also learned new coping mechanisms from others in camp who had been living gluten free for a longer time.

All this is to say that gluten free summer camp is a worthwhile endeavor; luckily many camps around the country are answering the call!

• To hear more about Gluten-Free Summer Camps, tune into The Gluten-Free Voice podcast interview with Marilyn Geller of the Celiac Disease Foundation, talking all things camp! More on Camp Scholarships through the CDF.
• Check GIG for more information on their sponsored camps through Generation GF. Scholarships are available, but don’t wait. 

>>Is your favorite gluten free camp listed? If not, please leave information in the comments!

 

Gluten Free Summer Camps for Kids – Updated for 2023

California

Camp Celiac, Northern California

San Francisco Bay Area (Livermore, CA)
Camp Celiac is at Camp Arroyo — a 138 acre site where campers, counselors, and volunteers eat delicious gluten-free food and enjoy traditional camp activities. A ropes course, rock climbing, zip-lining, boating, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, skit night, and outdoor sports fill campers’ days, and three gluten-free meals a day will keep them going! The experience of not having to ask if any of the foods are gluten free is life changing for many campers and staff! 2023 dates: one 5-night session for kids ages 9-15, July 15 through July 20, 2023.

 

Florida

KEF USA

Know English Forever hosts two, three and four week camps in Orlando Florida for teens 10-14 and seniors 15+.

KEF Gluten-Free Camp is designed for campers to enjoy learning, discovery, and adventure. With this in mind, we have designed a 4-week action-packed program that is 100% gluten-free. Join us in the most magical place on earth, Orlando, Florida, for all the exhilarating fun that only this city can offer.

Not only is our head chef a graduate from Le Cordon Bleu, but our kitchen professionals were trained for 10 days at Harvard University Medical School on how to prepare gluten-free meals and avoid cross-contamination by Dr. Leonardo V. Riella and his staff. We take our students’ nutrition very seriously while keeping meals and snacks fun for kids.

 

Georgia

Georgia ROCK – Camp Weekaneatit, Western Georgia

Camp Twin Lakes – Camp Will A Way, Winder, Georgia

July 9 – 14, 2023

The Georgia Celiac Foundation annually organizes this week-long, kids-only summer camp for children aged 8 to 17. Children with celiac disease and gluten intolerance focus on development and practice of independent living skills and coping skills in a fun camp format, using games, group activities, workshops, sports and spirit. Camp activities include swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, archery, ceramics, and more! Meals and snacks are, of course, entirely gluten-free.

 

Indiana

CAMP GLUTEN FREEDOM

Camp Jameson
2001 Bridgeport Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46231

For Gluten-Free kids, age 9-14. Can also accommodate the gluten free casein free diet (GFCF) and other food allergies and sensitivities upon request. Parents need to let the camp know about the camper’s specific dietary needs two weeks prior to the camp date.

The kitchen/facility will ONLY be catering to the kids at Camp Gluten Freedom during this week and this greatly reduces the risk for cross-contamination issues since the only food served during this week will be gluten-free. Campers will be able to participate in activities like hiking, swimming, archery and fishing and more!

This year’s Camp Gluten Freedom is being held at Camp Jameson. There is room for 48 campers. Boys and Girls are welcome – there will be an all girls cabin and all boys cabin.

Price to attend is $250 per child. Limited sponsorships available if you qualify.

For additional information:
Contact: Shelia@glutenfreelivingnow.org or Tina@glutenfreelivingnow.org

 

Massachusetts

Camp Emerson

Western Massachusetts, approximately 3 hours from Boston and New York City.

Girls and Boys – age 7-15.
2, 4, and 6 week sessions

Camp Emerson supports ALL food allergies and special diets. Camp Emerson is completely NUT FREE. Celiac campers have thrived here, with a gluten-free kitchen area and professional chefs trained in cross-contamination and segregated preparation. There is also a Registered Dietitian on staff to prepare each child’s menu.

Sue Lein, Director and Owner of Camp Emerson, understands food allergies and special diets because she is allergic to eggs. Sue will want to speak with you personally about your child’s allergies and dietary needs to make an individual plan for every camper.

Camp Wingate*Kirkland

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Camp Wingate * Kirkland
79 White Rock Road
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

This comprehensive summer camp is not especially for those kids with celiac disease or food allergies, but professes to handle all dietary restrictions seamlessly. This camp is a co-ed, overnight camp for children ages 7 – 15 that offers a unique experience. It is a place where campers are inspired by community, as much as they are by the beautiful backdrop that is Cape Cod.

 

Michigan

Beyond Gluten Camp

at Camp Copneconic

Free to Be Camp!

Camp Westminster -Higgins Lake, MI

For campers with food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances — Camp Westminster has served almost every dietary need. Food preparation will be handled by people with experience in special foods cooking. Open to children ages 7-18.

At Camp Westminster, trained counselors provide safety nets for campers to take healthy risks through fun, challenging and adventurous activities. From tackling the Lighthouse Climb to sailing to Treasure Island to splashing in crystal-clear Higgins Lake, we provide challenges which will help any camper stretch and grow in a safe Christian community. Children and youth are less at risk when they have a sense of community.

There are also opportunities for campers to connect with the outdoors. At Camp Westminster, we believe each person is a steward of the environment. The camp tries to build intimate relationships with the natural world on land and in the water.

 

 Minnesota

Gluten-Free Fun Camp

McGregor, MN

A partnership between Twin Cities R.O.C.K. volunteers and Camp New Hope, Gluten-Free Fun Camp allows the food part of a celiac lifestyle to become secondary to having fun. All of the food is gluten-free and carefully prepared to ensure safe eating for the campers, leaving no reason for the campers to wonder, “Can I eat this?”

In addition to a safe, gluten-free environment, Gluten Free Fun Camp offers all the usual parts of camp, including cabins and swimming. July 16-21, 2023.

 

New York

Camp Eagle Hill

Elizaville, NY
Multiple Sessions

Camp Eagle Hill is a co-ed overnight camp for kids ages 6-16 years old. It’s beautiful, 200 acre facility, is just 90 miles from NYC in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The camp has a dynamic sports program devoted to the fun-minded and action-oriented camper.

Camp also has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen space. This dedicated area includes a salad bar, desserts and main courses, all prepared by a chef specializing in gluten-free food.

Celiac Strong Camp

Co-ed Gluten Free Camp for ages 7-16 in Hunt, NY. Celiac Strong’s focus is to serve gluten-free food to allow campers to forget they have Celiac while they are at camp.

We are a dedicated gluten free camp! We can also accommodate a lactose free diet, but not other food restrictions or allergies. We play games, make crafts, sing songs, and roast s’mores. The campers are also sent home with a goodie bag of product donations and coupons.

August 10-13, 2023

 

New Jersey

Tall Pines Day Camp

Tall Pines Day Camp
1349 Sykesville Road
Williamstown, NJ 08094

Summer day camps for kids aged 3-14 – “celiac and vegetarian-friendly and nut-free.”

 

New Jersey/Pennsylvania

NJY – Youth and Gluten-Free Family Camp

Lakewood & Milford, PA

Since 1920, NJY Camps has offered summer camp programs for the Jewish community. Several of the camp programs offer gluten-free food, and staff members have completed gluten-free training through NFCA’s GREAT Schools, Colleges & Camps. Food service accreditation through GIG.

Celiac and gluten sensitive campers who attend Nah-Jee-Wah, Cedar Lake or Teen Camp will enjoy gluten-free and Kosher meals and snacks from a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. During pre- and post-camp programing, any family camp or visiting rental will have access to gluten-free food, too.

The Gluten-Free Camp Program at NJY Camps was created in partnership with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center and accredited in Gluten-Free Food Service by the Gluten Intolerance Group.

 

North Carolina

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Kids Camp East

Camp Kanata, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Set on 150 rolling, wooded acres outside of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Camp Kanata offers an exciting camp experience for kids from 6 to 15.

Kanata combines an array of opportunities for skill development and an emphasis on character growth with a mighty mix of fun and adventure – and then wraps it all up in a safe, protective environment that both kids and parents can feel good about. July 23-29, 2023.

*Please note that even though Camp Kanata Week 7 is “sold out” GIG Cares is holding 10 spots for scholarship recipients*

 

Oklahoma

Camp Waluhili

Tulsa, OK

Camp Waluhili hosts one week session for boys and girls ages 8-17 where only gluten free food is available and served. Sessions begin Sunday afternoon and end Friday evening. Campers register for specialty sessions based on their age as of July 1 and stay overnight in cabins based on their gender and age. They participate in activities with their specialty session every morning and with their cabin each afternoon and most evenings.  Specialty session topics include traditional camp activities, water sports, camping and outdoor skills, climbing and rappelling, and STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, arts, math). See the Summer Camp Catalog for this summer’s specialty session options and remember, there’s no additional charge for campers not currently Camp Fire members!

Week 1: June 11-16 (Only gluten-free food available and served this week)

 

Pennsylvania

Gluten Free Family Camp

Milford Campus: 570 Sawkill Road, Milford, PA 18337

Our gluten free family camp weekend is a unique experience  for families touched by Celiac Disease and families following a gluten free lifestyle. In partnership with the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University (www.celiacdiseasecenter.org) we are able to offer a dynamic fun filled and educational weekend where families will participate in all areas of camp. From land to water based activities we have you covered! While campers are engaged in our fun-filled day camp program, parents have the opportunity to participate in interactive and specialized sessions with leading professionals from the Celiac Disease Center. All meals and snacks are prepared in our dedicated, GIG certified, kosher kitchen.  Our gluten free family camp weekend provides the perfect balance between education, relaxation, and endless amounts of fun! GFFS Validated Safe Spot.

 

Rhode Island

Camp Celiac, Rhode Island

North Scituate, RI

Camp Celiac is a one-week summer camp for children and youth with Celiac Disease, ages 8-16. It is located at the site of Camp Aldersgate in beautiful North Scituate, Rhode Island. The property is situated on 230 acres of woods, fields and trails, and includes a lake, waterfront cabins, woodside cabins, dining hall, solar bath house, waterfront bathhouse, a retreat center (including a great hall, two kitchens, sleeping areas, and four lavatories with showers), and a health lodge.

Camp Celiac and Camp Aldersgate have developed layers of safety measures over the years to ensure a safe gluten-free environment. Camp Celiac provides two full time, registered nurses who handle all non-emergency medical needs, including administering medications. Emergency medical transportation is available within seven to ten minutes. August 6-11, 2023.

 

Texas

Dallas ROCK- The Great Gluten Escape Camp

Gilmer, TX

This 6 day/5 night summer resident camp has been designed for youth ages 7-15 with dietary restrictions related to Celiac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, and/or Gluten Sensitivity/Intolerance. This is the camp where you can escape from the gluten loaded world we live in. For one week you will no longer have to worry about gluten!

Camp Gilmont located in Gilmer, Texas approximately 2 hours east of Dallas , Texas . The camp comes with all the normal camp events and activities. Each camper will experience all of the excitement of a summer resident camp, including S’mores by the campfire!

Siblings who are also of the age 7 to 15, but who are not diagnosed with Celiac Disease, DH, or Gluten Intolerance are welcome, however, only gluten free food will be served during camp. July 16-21, 2023

 

Washington

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Kids Camp West

Camp Sealth, Vashon Island, Washington

Campers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease are professionally supported by the volunteers and staff of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). Dietitians handle food preparation to ensure nutritious gluten-free meals and snacks. Campers will enjoy archery, touch tanks, arts and crafts, waterfront activities and more.

Children attending Camp Sealth may have both gluten intolerances and diabetes, as this camp is also sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. Camp Sealth is peanut-free and has specially trained staff for children with special needs.

Please note that the entire camp is not gluten-free; other campers attending camp at the same time will be eating food containing gluten. We do make every effort to avoid cross-contamination.

Camp Sealth provides gluten-free options during all camp sessions, however, the food prepared during the GIG session is prepared by dedicated staff in a contamination-free kitchen. If your child is highly sensitive to gluten, we recommend attending this dedicated session.

August 14-19, 2023.

 

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