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Australia

Camp Fearless: youth camps for young people with IBD

Discover Camp Fearless, a youth camp run by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia for teenagers living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Find out what to expect, how young people can connect with others who understand life with IBD, and where to find information about upcoming camps.

Growing up with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can sometimes feel isolating. Between medical appointments, medications, symptoms and time away from school, it can be hard for teenagers to feel like their friends understand what they’re going through.

Camp Fearless, run by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA), gives young people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the opportunity to connect with others who understand their experiences, make friends and have fun in a supportive environment.

💙 What is Camp Fearless?

Camp Fearless is a multi-day camp designed for teenagers aged 12–17 years who live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

The camp brings together young people from across Australia for a few days of activities, friendship, learning and relaxation. It provides an opportunity to meet other teenagers who understand the challenges of living with IBD, without having to explain every symptom or worry.

The focus is on helping young people build confidence, develop independence and create friendships with people who share similar experiences.

🎯 What happens at Camp Fearless?

Camp Fearless combines fun activities with opportunities to learn and connect.

Depending on the program, campers can enjoy:

Outdoor activities and group experiences
Meeting other teenagers living with IBD
Building friendships and social connections
Learning practical strategies for managing IBD
Developing confidence and independence
Spending time in an environment where they feel understood

For many young people, one of the most valuable parts of camp is realising they are not alone. Meeting others who understand the realities of IBD can help reduce feelings of isolation and make it easier to talk openly about their experiences.

🩺 Is medical support available?

Camp Fearless is designed with the needs of young people living with IBD in mind. Previous national camps have included support from the CCA team, trained volunteers, an IBD nurse and a paediatric gastroenterologist on call.

Families should check the arrangements for each camp, including medication management, dietary requirements, accessibility and any individual medical needs, before registering.

👨‍👩‍👧 Information for parents and carers

Sending your child away to camp can feel like a big step, particularly if they have ongoing symptoms or need regular medication.

Before attending, you can contact the camp organisers to discuss your child’s needs, including:

Medication schedules and storage
Toilet access and bowel urgency
Dietary requirements and food intolerances
Fatigue, pain or other symptoms
What happens if your child becomes unwell
Travel arrangements and financial assistance

Sharing this information ahead of time can help the organisers understand your child’s needs and support them to participate as comfortably as possible.

📅 How can you attend Camp Fearless?

Camp Fearless is organised by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia, and dates, locations, eligibility requirements and registration details may change from year to year.

The 2026 Sydney camp ran from 11–13 September at The Collaroy Centre, and registrations have now closed. Families interested in future camps can contact CCA to ask about upcoming opportunities and announcements.

Visit the official website for the latest information:

Find out more about Camp Fearless – Crohn’s & Colitis Australia

You can also contact Crohn’s & Colitis Australia on 1800 138 029 for information about youth programs and support.

💙 Helping young people feel less alone

Living with IBD can bring challenges that other teenagers may not understand. Camp Fearless offers young people the chance to build friendships, share experiences and enjoy being themselves in a supportive environment.

Sometimes, meeting someone who simply gets it can make all the difference.

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