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 Alisa Fleming ~ Sending a child to camp for the first time can be a scary proposition for any parent, let alone the parent of a little one (or teen!) with special needs. Though numerous camps have popped up over the decades to accommodate various disabilities, diseases, and conditions, food allergies and special diets have just begun to gain attention.
Children with food allergies, intolerances, or diet-related conditions like Celiac disease require special care in the camp kitchens, dining halls, and anywhere food is involved. Fortunately, within the past few years, several camps have emerged with programs specifically designed to create a safe environment for food allergic tots. FAAN (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) even got in on the action, launching Camp TAG in 2011, specifically for children with food allergies. In addition to food allergy and Celiac aware camps, there are now many camps that also offer, or focus on, vegan food (dairy-free, egg-free, meat-free). These camps tend to emphasize wholesome kid-friendly cuisine, social responsibility, and many even grown quite a bit of the food on site.
See the listings below for more information on the various summer camp programs that cater to kids with special diet needs (the food allergy / celiac friendly ones are listed first, followed by the camps offering vegan options), and be sure to register soon! Many camps have already opened their registration for the coming summer, and some camp rosters can fill up quickly ... Camp Blue SpruceLocation: Banks, OR
Description: Camp Blue Spruce is a "worry-free camp for kids with food allergies" - according to their website and information provided. It is a 5-day, sleepaway camp for kids ages 10-14 that promises all of the traditional camping activities, such as hiking, campfires, swimming, field games, and arts & crafts. But unlike "ordinary" camps, Blue Spruce only cooks up meals and snacks that are free of the top allergenic foods, including: dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, gluten and sesame. Their cooks prepare most of the food from scratch, using fresh ingredients. All the manufactured products at Camp Blue Spruce are carefully vetted and will mostly come from allergen-aware companies. Plus, a professional team of medical staff will be on hand - 24 hours a day throughout the camp session. All this, and a beautiful Oregon camp setting, too! Camp TAG - FAANLocation: Williamstown, NJ
Description: Camp TAG is a 5-day, full-day camp for ages 4-12. The camp will be held at Tall Pines Day Camp in Williamstown, NJ. It provides a safe place for children with food allergies and their siblings to have fun with no worries about having an allergic reaction, as well as give them an opportunity to meet other children who share the same conditions and know they are not alone! A registered nurse who specializes in food allergies, anaphylaxis, and epinephrine administration will be onsite at all times. Camp EmersonLocation: Berkshire Mountains, MADescription: Wow, I wish camp looked like this when I was a kid (see photo below). For the full blown summer experience, Camp Emerson looks like the place. Though it is a somewhat "traditional" sleepaway camp (if by traditional you mean tennis, waterskiing, and martial arts classes are par for the course), Camp Emerson is described as "The Food Allergy Specialist". They support dairy, nut, wheat, soy, egg and fish allergies, and gluten free foods are always available. They work closely with parents to adhere to each child's needs. You can see their very detailed Food Allergy Brochure for more details. The Center for Courageous KidsLocation: Scottsville, KYDescription: The Center for Courageous Kids® is designed specifically for the child living with medical challenges who could not attend a traditional camp. A 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, we are dedicated to uplifting children living with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. Our campus includes our Medical Center and helipad, Equestrian Center, Bowling Alley, Indoor Swimming Complex, Gymnasium and Climbing Wall, Lodges, Dining Hall and Theater....and so much MORE. But it's the amazing children and their wonderful families who fill these 168 acres with the sounds of laughter, singing and silliness. Each year they offer a weekend sleepaway retreat for severe food allergies, but they also have special weekends for kids (and their families - yes parents attend too!) with autism, Celiac disease, and various other conditions. The YWCA / AAIA Outdoor Education CenterLocation: Edmonton, ABDescription: In partnership with Alberta Allergy Information Association, the YWCA center hosts one sleepaway camp a year for children with severe food allergies. This camp will enable children with severe and life threatening food allergies to enjoy camp life in a safe environment. This camp is open to children without food allergies too, so it is a great opportunity for siblings to attend. Camp InterlakenLocation: Eagle River, WIDescription: This is a Jewish sleepaway camp, and according to an article I read on camps for food allergies, they are nut-free. This isn't stated directly on their website, so I would contact them directly to clarify. They are probably able to accomodate other food allergy issues, particularly milk, since some camp attendees may keep strictly kosher. Again, contact them directly to find out. Camp Celiac - Rhode IslandLocation: N. Scituate, RIDescription: As the name implies, this is a sleepaway camp catering specifically to kids wit Celiac disease. Therefore their entire menu is gluten-free, and they can accomodate lactose-free needs (as many with Celiac are lactose intolerant). However, the camp no longer caters to other food allergies (including milk allergies) or sensitivities. It seems that was a bit too overwhelming for them. But if gluten- and lactose-free are your child's needs, then they can handle it. Camp Celiac - CaliforniaLocation: Livermore, CADescription: Camp Celiac serves up three meals a day of gluten-free food while offering traditional camp activities (ropes course, rock climbing, ziplining, boating, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, skit night, and outdoor sports). As for other dietary needs, "There are dairy-free and nut-free alternatives at every meal and ingredient lists are posted for all menu items; campers sensitive to other foods need to review the lists for their additional dietary restrictions. Nuts and nut flours are used at Camp; we do not operate a nut-free facility." GIG Kid's Camps - East and WestLocations: Wake Forest, NC - Vashon Island, WADescription: Once a year, the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) descends on these camps to professionally support children with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. GIG dietitians work with volunteers to prepare meals in a separate kitchen to assure kids get nutritious gluten-free meals and snacks. We have been told that the GIG kitchen staff can accommodate most other food sensitivities with the gluten-free diet, and assume that dairy-free would be easily accomodated since so many children require a GF/CF diet. Children's Medical Center Food Allergy CampLocation: Gainesville, TXDescription: At the Children’s Food Allergy campers, ages 7 to 15, have fun, increase their confidence, affirm their virtues and build lifelong friendships. At this camp, having a food allergy is just another part of life. The registered dietitian from the Children’s Food Allergy Center creates menus individually tailored to each camper’s need. The top eight allergens-- milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish -- are avoided completely at camp. Tasty and safe meals are prepared for the kids along with two snacks daily. AFAA CampLocation: Mound, MNDescription: Note: At last check, they had not updated their site for 2012. AFAA Camp provides a traditional camp experience, both overnight and day options, for children, who - because of their food allergies - might otherwise be unable to safely participate in a mainstream camp program.
AFAA Camp provides a safe camp experience for children with food allergies; food allergy & anaphylaxis education for children, their siblings and their parents; and leadership training for food allergic teenagers and young adults. The camp is unique in that it promotes improved self-care, self-image and independence for children with food allergies; and normalizes food allergies among a group of peers.
In addition, AFAA Camp reduces anxiety in parents; provides respite from social & medical stressors commonly involved in participating in group functions while managing life-threatening food allergies; and provides an opportunity for parents to network with each other to gain mutual emotional and social support. Campers interact with nature and gain appreciation of the environment in an experience that reduces the worry of food anaphylaxis. Camp ExplorationLocation: Encino, CADescription: Otherwise known as "Vegan Camp," this experience for kids is 100% dairy-free, egg-free, and "animal cruelty-free." Non-vegan kids are of course welcome to attend, and the camp draws campers from all over the world. I found the following information on the food, "The meals at Camp Exploration are often planned around a theme: garlic bread and spaghetti on Italian night, tacos piled high with vegan cheese and guacamole at the taco buffet, and even a roll-your-own-sushi dinner. Kids also enjoy campfire classics as well, including vegan franks and beans, chili, and s'mores made with amaranth crackers, organic chocolate, and vegan marshmallows." Camp Exploration offers several day and overnight camps. YEA CampLocations: Portland, OR - Pescadero, CA - Lanoka Harbor, NJDescription: Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp is for kids and teens ages 12-17. From their website, "YEA Camp focuses on helping campers develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to take inspired action on the issues that matter most to them. Our program inspires and develops youth leadership. In addition to the educational and cultural enrichment this process provides, campers will work with a supportive community of their peers, and will be mentored by nurturing and experienced counselors, with whom long-term friendships can be developed." YEA camp has an all-vegan food policy (even though most of the attendees are not vegan), so dairy-free and egg-free campers can fully enjoy the cuisine. Sample food includes French toast, pancakes, and vegan sausage for breakfast, and veggie-loaded stir fries and pizza parties for dinners. Camp Common GroundLocation: Starksboro, VTDescription: This unique camp is for kids of ALL ages! Yes, it is a family camp that welcomes wee little ones, teens, and adults. Expect a plethora of camp-style events in addition to some unique and relaxing activities, and of course, good food. The camp food focuses on local and organic, and the menus are all vegetarian. They have an abundance of vegan offerings (dairy-free, egg-free, etc.), and also have a special gluten-free camp. Picking a Camp Near YouIf the locations above aren't accessible to your family this year, consider your options locally. Many summer camps, whether day or overnight, can accomodate food allergies, intolerances, and special diets. For helpful tips on how to safeguard your child while allowing them to enjoy the interactions of summer camp see the following article: Preparing to Send Your Allergic Child to Camp. Have another camp to share? Contact us. Article by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org, blogger at Alisa Cooks, and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. Alisa is also a freelance writer for several publications and recipe creator for the natural food industry, with an emphasis on special diets. Photo Credit: Camp Emerson. 
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