Mary - Parent of graduated campers

My two daughters attended Camp Celiac many years ago. They are now in their 20's! I will never forget picking them up at the end of Camp and hearing loud, boisterous chants coming from the dining hall. The girls ran out excitedly with big smiles on their faces and said they didn't want to go home! They were bubbling over with stories about how much fun they had and all the new friends they had made. On our drive home, my one daughter said, " Mommy, I forgot I had Celiac this week!" Because she was surrounded by other kids w the disease, and because all the food was gluten free, she felt like just a normal kid! Every year after that, Camp Celiac became the highlight of their year! They looked forward to seeing their friends and just having fun!

It has been amazing to watch these childhood bonds continue into adulthood. The support and caring they still show each other is beautiful! Words can never adequately express how grateful I am that my children were able to be a part of such a wonderful Camp!

Parents of a first-time camper in 2016: To Everyone Who Made This Past Week Possible

Our son just attended Camp Celiac for the first time, and what comes to mind most is WOW!!! When we dropped him off we were so impressed with the facilities, the efficiency of the drop off, and the friendly nature that everyone had. We thought that he'd have a good time and felt comfortable that he'd be safe from being "glutened".

As the week progressed and we saw pictures every day of all the activities, we were thrilled and thought that he was probably having a great time. By the time Friday rolled around we were starting to think, "Uh, oh, he may not want to come home". And at pick-up time it was clear that camp had exceeded our hopes. It's a bit counterintuitive to be happy to see your child cry, but watching him say those heart wrenching goodbyes confirmed that the entire experience meant something to him he'll never forget, and we are so grateful. On the way home he said that it was probably the best week of his life.

It's clear that the amount of time and effort you put in to organizing, staffing and facilitating camp is an incredible labor of love. Hopefully everyone has made it safely back to their respective homes and can catch up on some well-deserved R&R. Our son slept for 5 hours on the car ride home and then another 12 last night! He looks like he grew an inch or so and he definitely put on a few pounds. We may owe you some money for all of the food he ate- I promise we feed him at home!

Anyways, words can't truly express how happy we are to have found Camp Celiac and we are so glad that he can come for two more years.

Taylor, 16

I spent the best 7 weeks (over 7 years) of my life at this camp. I am so glad I got the opportunity to meet such amazing people from all over. Camp Celiac is the place where you'll meet friends that will last a lifetime

and memories that you won't forget. I thank everyone who helped out at the camp because they truly made my experience magical.

Mandy, 16

2014 was my second and final year at camp. It stinks that I couldn't have found camp before then, but I can honestly say that I had the best two summers of my life because of Camp Celiac. It doesn't get much better than

getting a week off of reading food labels and worrying about cross contamination. The meals contained the best gluten free foods that I've ever eaten. Before camp, I could've sworn that I was one of the only people

in the world that had to deal with Celiac. In a Celiac's everyday life (especially for kids), there's so much to worry about. From being glutened at the school lunch table, to ridicule from friends who don't quite

understand Celiac, to being embarrassed when declining food at parties (that you would have love to have eaten if you could), the list goes on.



I've grown up with daily situations like this, and it can feel so terribly lonely. Something special happens when you put a group of young people together who have all had to mentally and emotionally mature a little bit

faster because of their condition. With that being said, I've met my best friends at Camp Celiac and have had some of the most real conversations with so many real people. I'd be such a different person if I didn't meet

these beyond amazing people who know exactly what I go through. Though I could write a novel more about my extraordinary camp experience, I might be cut off from writing soon. So to conclude, parents, please consider sending your daughter or son to this phenomenal place, and even becoming a counselor or camp helper yourself if you feel you can. Kids, please come to camp. Take advantage of as many Camp Celiac years you can, because you'll be so happy that you did.

Nurse Sam:

2014 will be my 4th year volunteering as a Registered Nurse for Camp Celiac. I started volunteering because of my son's Celiac diagnosis as a way for him to meet others walking this path. While it has been such a wonderful experience for him and to watch him go through, it surprisingly turned out to be an equally wonderful experience for me. I have met so many wonderful people from the kids, to another nurse with a child with celiac, parents and other volunteers, to the 3 awesome people that direct the camp, and of course CLAIRE!!--all that share one common thing, being a parent of a child with Celiac. Each year I have to re-familiarize myself with the kids--because they are growing and changing so much!! Not only do my kids know they are not alone with their Celiac diagnosis--I feel like they (and I) have an awesome support group that meets once a year :)) Love you guys! Anyone who is hesitant to put themselves out there to volunteer for this week--just know you won't regret it.

Becky, counselor:

I had an awesome worry free time at Camp Celiac! It was so great to not have to read labels and have such a variety of foods available. I loved seeing the campers' positive attitudes towards everything, especially how the older teens embraced new and younger campers. The bonds between the campers was amazing and inspiring! These kids contribute so much to this world! I cannot wait to go back to camp in 2014!

Olivia, 9:

This was my 2nd year at camp, and I loved it! The food was delicious! And everyone was gluten-free so I didn't have to worry!

Meara, 11:

Camp is one of my favorite things out of the whole year. I've met some of my best friends there. I love having all of the yummy food and desserts. It's awesome that I don't have to check labels and ask people if things are gluten-free. My favorite part of camp is the food and the carnival. I can't wait to come back to camp this summer and do all of the exciting things again.

Macie, 15:

I have been going to Camp Celiac for 8 years now, and every year I go back and fall in love with it more. People talk about other camps and yes, they are certainly fun.

But Camp Celiac is more than that. It's a family, a group of people that you know no matter what, no matter how well you know someone, you can count on them for anything.

My best friend in the entire world was met at Camp Celiac and almost every person I consider myself close with in my life is from Camp. I don't know what my life would be

without it. The counselors are fantastic, the people are great and the food is phenomenal. I love it with my whole heart, and can't wait for August 12th to come around.

Mikayla, 15: Camp isn't about the disgusting bugs, froggy potty, and the dining room packed full with people. Its about the late night campfires and the days full of exhaustion with the best people on earth. You don't meet friends at camp you meet your 'family'. We have grown up together, and will always be there for each other no matter how far the distance may be. Camp isn't just a week for us, its a lifetime. Camp celiac♥

Emma, 9: I had so much fun at Camp Celiac! I met a lot of new friends. My favorite part was the dance and carnival. I will be back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Annie, 10: Camp Celiac is the BEST!! You get to meet lots of friends that are just like you and you never feel different. I love the girls and the counselors!

Abby, 9: Gluten free camp was awesome! I had so much fun there. We went swimming and roasted marshmallows. I made a lot of nice friends that I can't wait to see this year. My favorite part of camp was the dance. I love gluten-free camp :)

Sage, 9: I love camp celiac. My favorite food at camp are the cheese ROLLS and I can't wait to eat them again!!!!!!

Gillian, 10: I LOVE Camp! I love the people, the food, the friends I'm making, and all the fun activities. GO CAMP CELIAC!!!

Ben, 11: I think that Camp Celiac is one of the greatest camps of all New England. The age groups are 7-16. I’ve been going to Camp Celiac since I was 8. The food there is outstanding. Everyone at Camp Celiac is very nice and friendly. I already can’t wait until this year’s new camp experience!

Maggie, 9: I like Camp Celiac because I have met so many nice friends. They have lots of fun activities and adventures. My favorite activity is the dance! The food is great – it is so nice not to worry if it is gluten-free.

Sami, 8: I love Camp Celiac!!! First, at camp we get to eat cookies late at night. Next, we get yummy breakfasts everyday and in my house we get boring breakfasts. Then, we get to go on exciting field trips. Finally, we get to make new friends that have celiac disease too!! I can hardly wait to go to Camp Celiac in August!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kelsey, 16: Camp Celiac was the one week I've always looked forward to the most every year. It has definitely had a huge impact on my life. I've made lifelong friendships and some of my best friends were made at camp. I graduated camp this past summer, and it is going to be extremely weird not being there this year. The food is amazing thanks to Effie! I hope camp goes on for years to come so that every Celiac can have the opportunity I did.

Tommy, 7: Camp is fun, exciting, and has great food. There are many games to play and I hope when I get older I do Survivor and that someday Tanis will come back.

Danny, 16: I liked Camp Celiac because it gave me an opportunity just not to worry about what I was eating. It's more important than you think. Besides home, I never had that before.

Chris, 12: I love to go to camp because I don't feel like the only kid who can't eat normal food. Also I have made so many good friends and had so many good times that I always want to come back every year.

Kyle, 12: I went to Camp Celiac for the first time in Aug. 2009. I had a great time and met other kids that had celiac disease. I went fishing every morning and loved going to the dining room where all the foods were SAFE. I can't wait to go back again!!

Sean, 18: The food is excellent and worry-free, and I made some life-long friends. Best week of the year! Even after two years, I still keep in touch with my camp friends.

Kara, 11: I really like the nice people - the kids and the counselors were really nice! The food was delicious, especially the tacos. The dance was really fun and I really liked low ropes. I am really excited for camp this year- I can't wait to see all of my celiac camp friends!

Courtney, 11: It is the best camp there could ever be-the food is great, the activities are fun. I like meeting other kids with Celiac. We keep in touch all year round! I look forward to the next year the day I get back from camp.

Matt, 16: People say that things change their lives, but Camp Celiac truly did alter my life. It allowed me to be more comfortable with my allergy. Not only that, but the people there are the best people I have ever met. The kids I have met there are my best friends, there is nothing better than Camp Celiac.

Chris, 16: Camp Celiac has been the greatest experience of my life. Not worrying about eating gluten-free food for a week is the highlight of my summer. Although the food is great the friends that I've made are even better. I love meeting new campers every year and seeing my old friends come back every year is even better. After attending camp for six years this is my last year. It is going to be really sad to say goodbye.

Leah, 15: Camp Celiac is such a great place. I have best friends from all different states that I met there. We've created so many memories that I'll never forget. I count down the days until camp each year!

Emily, 13: Camp Celiac is a GREAT place to be. A week of NO Worries, only fun times and great friends!

Henry, 9:

Camp Celiac is awesome! I really like Carnival Day and fishing. The food is good, too, especially the grilled cheese.

Jackie, 11:

Camp Celiac is like a vacation from Celiac Disease! At camp, I don't have to worry about what I eat. We have a lot of fun, too, especially at the dance. I can't wait to get back and see my friends.

Dave, counselor:

I went to camp to support the organization, but now I want to go back because I had a great time! Yes, it was hard, but the staff and the kids are really incredible. The kids make such strong bonds that they all cry as they say goodbye on the last day. You have to see it to believe it.

Deanna, 15: Camp Celiac was an incredible experience. I've met so many great people that changed my life. The friends I have there are amazing and I'll never forget all of the memories. Its a whole week without explaining what Celiac disease is, and worrying about cross-contamination and all that shenanigans, which is a real relief to kids who just want to have fun and not be different for a week.

Claire, counselor: I remember a little boy from Texas who came one of our first years of camp, who had never had an ice cream cone, jello, or pancakes. While he was eating the ice cream cone, he was beaming, and all the counselors were crying. It was the sweetest thing to see! I am so grateful for the friendships and the experiences that I have had at Camp Celiac.

Kacy, 16: I personally don't know where I'd be without camp. It's changed my life and made me who I am. I have been attending camp for 11 years now and I've made life long friendships and memories I'll never forget. It's always a fun packed week and I never want to leave. It's also a worry free week where you don't have to worry about the food. Plus, the food is pretty awesome! It's a great experience and I'm so glad I've been able to have it be part of my life.

Gabi, 15: Camp is such an amazing experience that we look forward to all year long. It is five days of no worries about food, plus it is really good! I've made so many friends there that I will never forget. There are so many things that make camp special: the people, the activities, and the food! Our memories will last forever, and camp is something that will never leave me!

Macie, 13: I love Camp Celiac soooo much! It has changed me in so many ways. I realized that I'm not the only one with this allergy, and that I'm truly not alone.

I don't get the "free rein" (food-wise) like at camp anywhere else. I'm so glad that camp is back, and look forward to seeing everyone!

Katie, 15: Camp Celiac has permanently changed my life. I have known these people for half of my life and I will never forget any of them. Camp is a week where you don't have to worry about anything, whether it be food or fitting in. I can't begin to explain how absolutely amazing the kids are and how much I love them all. It is by far and away the best week of my year and I wouldn't give it up for anything. This camp is my family.

Katherine, 15: Camp Celiac is so amazing! The worry free feeling is amazing! I haven't felt normal since I was diagnosed, and being able to meet people just like me has been inspiring. I've made amazing new friends and coming to Camp Celiac has truly changed my life. I love it and would recommend it to anyone!

Sabrina, 12: Camp Celiac has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I don't know what I would do if it cancelled. I have made so many great friends, and meet so many nice people! Everyone there is nice! And it's really a fun experience, plus the food is great...