IBD camps and youth programs

Living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can sometimes make children and teenagers feel different from their friends. Between medical appointments, unpredictable symptoms and time away from school, finding opportunities to connect with other young people who understand life with IBD can make a real difference.

In the United States, there are camps, youth programs and community activities designed to help children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) build friendships, develop confidence and enjoy new experiences.

Whether your child is looking for a summer camp, an online program or simply a way to meet other young people living with IBD, there are options for families to explore.

🌟 Camp Oasis: A Summer Camp for Kids with IBD

One of the main programs available to children and teenagers with IBD in the USA is Camp Oasis, run by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.

Camp Oasis offers a supportive summer camp experience specifically for young people living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. It gives campers the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities while spending time with others who understand their experiences.

Activities may include:

• 🏊 Swimming and outdoor recreation.

• 🎨 Arts, crafts and creative activities.

• 🏆 Team sports and group games.

• 🔥 Campfires, talent shows and evening activities.

• 🤝 Making friends and spending time with other young people who have IBD.

Camp Oasis is designed so children can focus on having fun rather than feeling that their illness sets them apart. Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals and dietitians, support campers' healthcare needs during residential sessions.

Who can attend?

The program generally accepts children with medically stable Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who are entering grades 2–12, subject to the requirements of the individual session.

There are residential camps in different parts of the country, with locations and dates varying by year. An online alternative is also available.

Cost and financial assistance

The Foundation lists a camp attendance fee and offers scholarships for eligible families. Travel assistance may also be available in certain circumstances, so check the current requirements before applying.

Find locations, eligibility details and application information on the official Camp Oasis website.

💻 CampOasis@Home: Virtual Camp Activities

Not every child can attend a residential camp. Travel, health needs, family commitments or feeling nervous about staying away from home can make an in-person experience difficult.

CampOasis@Home offers an online alternative through the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. It gives children and teenagers an opportunity to participate in camp-style activities and connect with other young people from home.

Activities have included:

• 🎨 Arts and crafts.

• 🎮 Games and interactive activities.

• 💬 Virtual cabin chats and opportunities to make friends.

• 🌱 Wellness activities.

This option may suit children who would prefer to meet others online before considering an in-person camp, or families who cannot travel to a residential location. Program availability and session dates vary, so check the Foundation's website for the latest information.

Explore the Camp Oasis website for virtual camp details.

🤝 Youth Support and Community Programs

Camps are not the only way for young people with IBD to connect with others. Support organisations can help families find educational resources, community activities and opportunities to feel less alone.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is a useful starting point for families in the United States. Alongside Camp Oasis, it provides information and resources for children, teenagers and their caregivers.

Depending on the opportunities available in your area, families may be able to find:

• Youth-focused educational events.

• Community activities and awareness events.

• Opportunities to connect with other families affected by IBD.

• Educational resources for young people learning to manage their condition.

• Ways for older teenagers to become involved in volunteering and leadership.

Programs vary between regions, so contact your local Foundation chapter to ask what is available near you.

Visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation to explore its resources and programs.

🎯 Everyday Activities for Children and Teenagers with IBD

Children with IBD do not need to limit themselves to programs specifically designed for people with chronic illnesses. With appropriate planning and flexibility, many can participate in the same activities as their friends.

Depending on your child's interests and health, activities to consider include:

• ⚽ Sports and recreation: School sports, swimming, walking, cycling or recreational teams.

• 🎨 Creative activities: Art classes, music lessons, drama groups and photography.

• 🏕️ Community camps: Local day camps or overnight camps that can accommodate your child's medical needs.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Clubs and youth groups: School clubs, hobby groups and community youth organisations.

• 🌳 Outdoor activities: Nature walks, accessible outdoor adventures and organised excursions.

• 💻 Online communities and events: Age-appropriate activities that allow young people to connect from home.

The best choice will depend on your child's symptoms, energy levels, treatment schedule and personal preferences. Some children may enjoy a full day of activities, while others may prefer shorter sessions or quieter options.

It can help to contact activity organisers before enrolling to discuss bathroom access, medication, dietary needs, rest breaks and what happens if your child becomes unwell.

💚 Helping Your Child Feel Confident Joining In

For some children, the hardest part of joining a new activity is worrying about what might happen if their symptoms appear unexpectedly.

They may be concerned about needing the bathroom urgently, feeling exhausted, missing an event because of a flare-up or explaining their condition to other children.

Parents can help by:

• Talking through concerns: Ask your child what worries them and involve them in choosing activities.

• Planning ahead: Find out where the bathrooms are and whether breaks are possible.

• Communicating with organisers: Explain any essential medical needs and agree on a practical plan.

• Allowing flexibility: Choose activities where your child can rest, leave early or miss a session if necessary.

• Protecting privacy: Share only the health information that is necessary and that your child is comfortable sharing, while ensuring responsible adults know what they need to keep your child safe.

• Celebrating participation: Focus on the enjoyment, friendships and experiences rather than how much your child manages to do.

Children should not feel that they have to explain their illness to everyone or push through symptoms to avoid disappointing others.

🩺 What Should Parents Check Before Booking a Camp?

Before registering for a camp or youth program, it is worth asking a few practical questions to ensure the experience is suitable for your child.

• Medical support: Are healthcare professionals available, and how are medications managed?

• Bathroom access: Are bathrooms easy to reach throughout the day and night?

• Food and dietary needs: Can the program accommodate your child's individual requirements?

• Activity flexibility: Can participants rest, take breaks or opt out of activities when necessary?

• Emergency procedures: What happens if a child develops symptoms or needs medical attention?

• Communication: How will parents be contacted if their child becomes unwell?

• Eligibility: Are there medical stability requirements or other participation criteria?

• Cost: Are scholarships, financial assistance or travel support available?

For residential camps, discuss the proposed experience with your child's IBD healthcare team if you have concerns about whether it is appropriate at that time.

Planning ahead can help parents feel reassured while allowing children to enjoy greater independence.

💬 Teen Support Groups and Online Communities

For teenagers who want to connect with others but are not ready for a residential camp, online support groups can be a valuable alternative.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers a support group directory that families can use to search for groups serving children, teenagers and young adults. Some groups meet virtually, making it possible to connect with others without travelling.

One example is IBD Teen, a virtual community listed by the Foundation for teenagers aged 15–18. It offers opportunities to meet others, participate in discussions and share experiences. Meeting schedules and eligibility should be confirmed through the current listing.

Find groups through the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation support group directory.

🎨 Educational Resources and Activities for Kids

Not every young person wants to join a support group or attend a camp. Some may prefer to explore IBD at their own pace through games, activities and age-appropriate educational resources.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation provides resources for children and teenagers, including an IBD Activity Center with comics, games and activities designed to make learning about IBD more accessible. Its youth resources also cover topics such as school, friendships, emotional wellbeing and becoming more confident in managing the condition.

Explore the Foundation's resources for kids, parents and teens.

🔎 How to Find Programs Near You

IBD-specific opportunities can vary depending on where your family lives. Some areas offer local support groups and events, while other families may need to travel or choose virtual activities.

To find suitable opportunities:

1. Visit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation website and look for your local chapter.

2. Search its support group directory for children's, teen or young adult groups.

3. Check Camp Oasis for residential and virtual camp opportunities.

4. Ask your child's paediatric gastroenterology team whether they know of local youth programs or family events.

5. Follow relevant organisations on social media for announcements about new programs, registration dates and upcoming activities.

It is worth checking eligibility, costs, travel requirements and registration deadlines early, particularly for residential camps that have limited places.

💚 Final Thoughts

Children and teenagers living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis deserve opportunities to have fun, build friendships and experience new things without feeling defined by their illness.

From Camp Oasis and virtual youth activities to everyday hobbies and community groups, there are ways for young people with IBD to find connection and develop confidence.

Every child is different. Some will love an overnight camp, while others will feel more comfortable starting with an online group or a familiar local activity. The important thing is to find opportunities that suit your child's interests, health needs and comfort level.

With the right support, young people with IBD can enjoy meaningful experiences, build lasting friendships and feel less alone.

Disclaimer: Program availability, eligibility, costs and medical requirements can change. Contact each organisation directly for current information and consult your child's healthcare team if you have concerns about participation.