Finding the Right Gluten-Free ⁤summer Camps for Celiac Disease

updated May 16, 2025
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For ⁤families managing gluten-free diets, notably those with children who⁣ have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, summer⁤ camp planning can be stressful.Finding camps equipped to safely and confidently handle dietary needs is crucial. Fortunately, many camps across the U.S.now offer gluten-free options, and ⁤some are⁣ entirely gluten-free, providing safe and inclusive environments.

When selecting⁢ a camp, prioritize gluten-free menu options, trained kitchen and medical staff, and clear dialog regarding meal planning and accommodations.Peer support is also valuable, allowing⁢ children with similar dietary needs to⁣ connect. Many camps that accommodate gluten-free diets also offer financial assistance through ⁣scholarships or sliding-scale fees. Applying early and contacting the camp directly are key steps in securing ‍aid.

Featured Gluten-Free Camps

Several specialized programs offer completely gluten-free environments:

• Camp Celiac (California): ⁣A week-long overnight ⁣camp in Livermore, ‍CA, in partnership with ⁣the Celiac ⁢Community Foundation, offering traditional camp activities in a gluten-free setting.
• Camp Celiac (New Jersey): Located at Happiness is Camping, this camp provides a⁣ completely gluten-free experience⁤ with⁤ traditional camp activities for children ages⁢ 8–16 ⁣and offers need-based grants.
• Camp Blue Spruce ⁢(Oregon): This camp is free from‍ the top 9 allergens, including gluten, and offers financial assistance to families in need.
• Camp Weekaneatit⁢ (Georgia): ⁢ An overnight⁢ camp in Rutledge, GA, staffed by GI specialists and⁣ dietitians, providing a fully gluten-free experience with medical supervision and scholarships.
• Gilmont Gluten-Free Family Camp (Texas): A weekend ⁤family retreat offering an⁣ all-gluten-free ⁣experience with traditional camp activities and community support; scholarships ⁢are available.

Camps That accommodate Gluten-Free Diets

These camps may not be exclusively gluten-free, but they consistently provide safe,⁣ well-prepared gluten-free meals:

• Camp Kanata (North Carolina): offers vegetarian and gluten-free options at every meal, with trained staff and financial assistance available.
• Roundup River ‍Ranch ⁢(Colorado): Free for children with ‍serious illnesses, ⁤this camp prepares personalized meals, including gluten-free options, in close collaboration with families.
• Camp Wingate*Kirkland‍ (Massachusetts): An allergy-conscious camp offering buffet-style‍ meals with individualized guidance for⁤ gluten-free campers.
• Camp Interlaken (Wisconsin): Provides gluten-free, vegan, and⁢ vegetarian ⁢meal options, with a Food Service Manager monitoring⁢ specialized ‍diets and ‍needs-based scholarships‍ available.
• Camp‍ Common Ground (Vermont): A family camp offering gluten-free options at every ‍meal, emphasizing local, organic, allergy-friendly ingredients, and a sliding-scale fee.
• Camps Kenwood & Evergreen (New Hampshire): These twin overnight camps accommodate gluten-free diets and⁢ offer financial aid to families demonstrating ⁢need.
• Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods ‍Camps (Michigan): Provide a gluten-free bar at every⁣ meal⁢ and have ⁣a dedicated chef preparing allergy-friendly⁢ food in‍ a nut-free⁢ environment.

What’s next

NeedyMeds offers a Camps & Retreats database where you can search for gluten-free camps and filter by ⁤diagnosis, location, and financial⁤ assistance to find the perfect fit for your child’s needs.