Summer Camp with Celiac Disease

Sending a celiac child to summer camp, or going to camp yourself, requires significant preparation. You’re entrusting food safety to people you’ve never met, in a kitchen you can’t see.

But it’s possible. Here’s how.

Before You Commit

Questions to Ask

When researching camps:

Food service:

• “Can you accommodate celiac disease (not just gluten preference)?”
• “Do you understand cross-contamination?”
• “What is your process for special diet meals?”
• “Does kitchen staff have training on food allergies/intolerances?”

Experience:

• “Have you had campers with celiac before?”
• “What worked or didn’t work?”
• “Can I speak with a parent of a celiac camper who’s attended?”

Logistics:

• “Can I send supplemental food?”
• “Is there refrigerator space for special items?”
• “Can I provide detailed instructions for kitchen staff?”

Red Flags

• “We can try, but we can’t guarantee anything”
• “Just tell us what they can’t eat”
• No system in place, making it up as they go
• Dismissive attitude toward severity

Green Flags

• Established protocol for dietary restrictions
• Specific staff member responsible
• Willing to work with you in detail
• Previous experience with celiac

Preparation

Documentation

Prepare written materials:

For the Camp:

• Clear explanation of celiac disease
• List of safe and unsafe foods
• Cross-contamination guidance
• What to do if glutening occurs
• Emergency contact information

For Kitchen Staff:

• Detailed menu guidance
• Brand names of safe products
• Preparation instructions
• Common mistakes to avoid

For Counselors:

• How to recognize symptoms of glutening
• What to do if the camper feels sick
• How to support the camper socially

Medication and Supplies

Send:

• Any medications typically needed post-glutening
• Safe snacks (substantial supply)
• Emergency food kit
• Comfort items for potential sick days

Care Package Food

Many camps allow food packages. Send:

• GF snacks
• GF treats
• Safe versions of what others might be eating

This supplements camp food and provides familiar comfort.

Camp Selection

Specialized Camps

Some camps specifically accommodate celiac:

• Celiac disease camps (exist for kids with celiac)
• Allergy-friendly camps
• Camps with established dietary protocols

These may be worth the search and travel.

Day Camp vs. Overnight

Day camp:

• You control most meals (breakfast and dinner at home)
• Only lunch to manage
• Lower risk overall
• Good option if overnight seems too risky

Overnight:

• All meals out of your control
• Longer duration
• More immersive experience
• Requires more preparation and trust

Duration

Short session (1 week):

• Lower commitment
• Test whether the camp works
• Easier recovery if problems occur

Longer session:

• More time for kitchen to learn
• But also more meals to get right
• More time away from your support

During Camp

Communication

Establish how you’ll communicate:

• Can you call/email if concerned?
• Will the camp contact you about food issues?
• How will your child reach you if sick?

Check-Ins

For children:

• Encourage them to report any problems
• Make sure they know they can speak up
• Check in when communication happens (visits, calls)

If Problems Arise

If your child gets glutened:

• The camp should notify you
• Have a plan for whether they stay or come home
• Provide guidance on recovery support
• Evaluate whether to continue at this camp

Preparing Your Child

Self-Advocacy Skills

Before camp, your child should be able to:

• Explain celiac to adults and peers
• Identify obviously unsafe foods
• Ask questions about food (“Does this have wheat in it?”)
• Politely decline unsafe food
• Know when to get help

Emotional Preparation

Help them anticipate:

• Eating differently from other campers
• Explaining their diet to new friends
• Potential for missing out on some food activities
• That it’s okay to advocate for themselves

Script Practice

Practice specific scenarios:

• “What do you say if someone offers you a cookie?”
• “What do you do if the camp food doesn’t look safe?”
• “How do you tell a counselor your stomach hurts?”

For Adult Celiacs at Camp (Staff, Volunteers)

If you’re the adult attending camp:

Self-Management

You’re responsible for yourself:

• Bring substantial food supplies
• Research the camp’s food in advance
• Have backup plans for every meal
• Communicate your needs clearly

Modeling for Campers

If you’re a celiac counselor:

• You can model good dietary management
• You can support celiac campers specifically
• Your presence shows campers that celiac people do everything

Post-Camp Assessment

After camp:

• How did it go?
• Was your child safe and healthy?
• Did the kitchen follow the protocol?
• Would you send them again?

Feedback to the camp helps them improve for future celiac campers.

When Camp Isn’t Worth It

Sometimes a specific camp isn’t right:

• They can’t accommodate safely
• Your child’s health is too fragile
• The risk outweighs the benefit

It’s okay to say no or to choose a different experience.

A Prayer for Sending Them Off

Lord, I’m sending my child where I can’t follow.

I can’t cook their meals. I can’t check every ingredient. I can’t protect them the way I do at home.

Protect them for me. Guide the hands that prepare their food. Alert the counselors if something’s wrong.

Give my child courage to speak up and wisdom to stay safe.

And give me peace while they’re gone.

Amen.

The Bigger Picture

Camp is an opportunity for independence, for celiac children and adults alike.

Learning to manage celiac outside the home is a life skill. Camp is practice for college, travel, and adulthood.

With proper preparation, camp can be safe, fun, and formative.

Do the work. Then let them go.