This summer may look different, but we will still have opportunities to connect at JA Camp. Our new virtual JA Camp experience brings the magic of summer camp to all campers with JA, wherever you happen to be! While we cannot replace being in person together, we are excited to give campers an alternative option for connection and fun.
The Arthritis Foundation is proud to offer free, at-home summer camp experiences across the United States for kids and teens withjuvenile arthritisand related childhood rheumatic diseases. Juvenile arthritis (JA) camps are sponsored nationally by Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity and Foundation (AOII), as well as supporting partners Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, and the Saal Family Fund in memory of Jessica Saul. Thanks to sponsorship and donations, virtual camp is provided at no cost to families.
Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity’s Executive Director Kaya Miller shares, “For many of our members, our support of the Arthritis Foundation Camp program is one of the most compelling aspects of our work together. Chapters and members are especially passionate about fundraising the dollars that help children and youth attend a JA summer camp. AOII understands this passion and is proud to champion this important JA initiative.”
Our Virtual JA Camps will offer a few of the programs and traditions campers are used to at in person camp – mindfulness, movement, arts and crafts, camp songs and more! Campers will interact through live video sessions, giving them the chance to see faces of familiar friends and counselors. All Virtual JA Campers will also be mailed an activity workbook. Through our camp programs, even virtually, campers gain a greater understanding of their own diagnosis and treatment, build strong peer-support networks and develop the skills they need to become effective leaders, advocates and champions in their everyday lives. A camper from our Teen Retreat in California shared, “I felt like Virtual JA Camp really helped me discover options for moving forward with college and independent doctors’ appointments with JA.”
来自犹他州KODA营地的志愿者联合营地主任克莱尔·佩肯帕分享说:“KODA营地一直是我们在山间西部地区患风湿病的孩子们的重要资源。通过将营地转移到一个在线的虚拟平台，我们已经能够安全地与来自我们市场各地的人联系，犹他州、爱达荷州和蒙大拿州，以及内华达州和怀俄明州。虽然在线营与每年的面对面营不同，但我们很高兴孩子和年轻人能彼此联系，讨论一些具有挑战性的话题，如:倡导、慢性疾病的生活和精神健康。感谢来自小学儿童医院的志愿者和医护人员的帮助，今年我们有机会接待59名孩子参加我们的虚拟营!国家和地方关节炎基金会分会的筹款努力给了我们这个机会，为患有慢性疾病的孩子们提供一个安全的环境，让他们走到一起，意识到还有其他孩子和他们一样。正如我们一次又一次告诉孩子们的那样，我们作为一个社区在一起会更强大。”
Visit ourcamp websiteto register for an Arthritis Foundation Virtual JA camp today. We hope to connect with you online!
