Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can attend Camp Celiac?

Camp Celiac is for kids ages 9-17 years old who have been diagnosed with celiac disease, a condition that requires lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. Given limited space, we can only accomodate those who have been diagnosed by a physician with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Campers ages 16-17 who will be entering 11th grade and up can only attend as junior counselors. 16-year-olds entering 10th grade or lower may choose to attend as a camper or a junior counselor. Junior counselors assist the adult volunteers.

When do we check in and out?

Check-in: We wil provide the check-in time as the date of Camp approaches. Please do not arrive early.

Check-out: All campers must be checked out by the stated time so camp can be prepared for the next group.

How much does Camp Celiac cost?

The only required cost for Camp Celiac 2026 is a $25 non-refundable registration fee. We pay for Camp primarily with donations and grants.

Where is the camp located and what is Camp Arroyo?

Camp Celiac is at Camp Arroyo in Livermore, California. Set amidst the rolling hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, Camp Arroyo is a spectacular facility managed by a joint public and private effort between the East Bay Regional Park District and United Camps, Conferences, and Retreats. Together, they manage a Summer Youth Camp and Environmental Education Center on a 138-acre parkland near Livermore, California. Camp Arroyo, built and operated on the principles of an ecologically sustainable community, provides a safe haven for children with illnesses or disabilities that make it difficult for them to attend most camps.

How do I get to Camp Celiac?

Families must arrange their camper's transportation to and from the camp. If requested, we will try to provide information to connect families traveling from the same areas so that they can arrange carpools. For directions to Camp Arroyo, please look at the "Camp Watch."

How about other food allergies/sensitivities?

Camp Celiac is dedicated to providing children who have medical doctor diagnosed celiac disease or gluten intolerance with a worry-free summer camp experience. We recognize, however, that some campers with celiac or gluten intolerance may suffer from food allergies. We can accommodate campers with dairy, soy (other than soy lecithin) and nut allergies. If your camper has food allergies other than dairy, nuts, or soy, please contact at the time of Camp registration to discuss whether Camp can address the camper's needs. Unfortunately we cannot serve campers with allergies to corn or soy lecithin as these ingredients are ubiquitous in gluten-free foods.

Where do campers sleep?

Campers will sleep in gender-specific cabins; each cabin sleeps 12 persons on beds with mattresses. Campers need to bring their own sleeping bags and pillows.

What do campers eat?

Meals are served family style in the spacious dining hall. All meals and snacks will be gluten free (no need for your camper to ask, "is this gluten-free?"). The kitchen will be cleaned twice before our kids arrive.

What are the camp activities?

The 3500 square foot pool is the heart of summer camp activities and is large enough for wading, games, and team sports. The pool was designed to allow campers in the shallow area as well as in the sports area. All campers will be required to take a swim test before being allowed in the pool. No campers will be allowed in the pool area without a YMCA Camp Arroyo approved lifeguard on duty.

The Challenge Course consists of multiple challenge elements facilitated by the Fort Miley Adventure Challenge Course staff. There is a 36' X 36' rock wall, a 210' zip line, as well as other high and low climbing elements.

Additional camp activities change on a year-by-year basis. In the past, Camp has included a day-long "Olympics" with different activities; an arts and crafts center; bocce ball; basketball; archery; soccer and other field sports; a talent share; cabin skit night; and a campfire amphitheater (with gluten-free s'mores!).

Who runs Camp Celiac?

Camp Arroyo is jointly staffed by employees of United Camps, Conferences and Retreats, the East Bay Regional Parks District, and the adult volunteer counselors recruited by Camp Celiac. In addition, there will be a medical staff member (i.e. a doctor or nurse volunteer) for emergencies.

Camp Celiac, a program administered by the all-volunteer , puts together much of the camp's organization, including the registration, recruitment, camp director, counselors, medical staff, website, and much of the camp's activity program. Camp Celiac works with The Taylor Family Foundation and our other sponsors to put the Camp together.

Why a camp for kids with celiac disease?

Camp Celiac's goal is to provide children medically restricted to a lifelong gluten-free diet with a "safe" opportunity to relax and have fun with kids their age without having to worry about social acceptance or what foods they can eat. At Camp Celiac, kids find themselves in the company of other kids on a gluten-free diet, counselors with celiac disease, and a staff familiar with food sensitivities. Celiac Camp has been a memorable and life-changing event in kids' lives (see the page under "About").

Will my child be able to call or write to me from the camp?

One reason we created Camp Celiac is to provide a safe and self-reliant environment for kids, where they can relate to other kids with celiac, have a camp experience without the worry of food choices, and have fun! To enhance the development of independent decision-making, we generally discourage visits or calls from parents during the camp session and we request that campers not bring cell phones or other electronic devices to camp.

What if my child needs medical care while at camp?

There is a medical infirmary on site, and there is a physician or another trained medical person at the camp for medical emergencies. The counselors will also provide emotional and social support at all times.

Adults and campers will need to bring all essential medicines with them to check-in. To minimize disruption to the camp schedule, we request that non-essential substances (e.g. vitamins and herbal supplements) be kept at home. We require that all essential medications be pre-sorted into a seven-day pill sorter in advance, along with a printed schedule of when the medications should be taken. All essential medications (including over-the-counter medications) will be handed to the medical staff at check-in, stored in the infirmary and given to the kids at the required schedule. Our medical facility is also stocked with over-the-counter medicines that may be needed for minor colds and aches.

Are all of the foods really gluten-free?

The pre-packaged foods are all selected from well-established providers of gluten-free foods, many of whom generously donate their products. Foods prepared on site are made from gluten-free mixes, use gluten-free ingredients, and are not prepared alongside any gluten-containing products. The kitchen is cleaned thoroughly prior to the start of the camp to minimize the possibility of cross-contamination.