California camp caters to Celiacs

Camp Arroyo is a year-round camp open to special needs children from Northern California. During the summer months, and for 10-12 weekends throughout the school year, Camp Arroyo is solely available to children suffering from life-threatening diseases, disabilities, and youth at risk. During the school year, Camp Arroyo is used as an environmental education center by local schools.

At Camp Arroyo, our campers receive extra care and attention from highly trained, round-the-clock medical staff. Trained volunteer counselors give campers undivided attention (one-on-one, if necessary) and build friendships based on dependability and trust. At Camp Arroyo, the children are able to talk about their feelings in a compassionate, nurturing atmosphere, and are made to feel at ease — finally!— to just be themselves.

Celiac Camp – One in 133 people have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity; the only treatment is a gluten free diet. Due to late diagnosis—usually long after the first symptoms occur—many children fail to thrive because of malnutrition. Celiac camp at Camp Arroyo provides a safe eating environment with no worries of becoming ill.

Groups who attend Camp Arroyo are selected without regard to gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, financial ability or cause of disease.

The camp is run by the wonderful Taylor Family Foundation, whose mission statement is:

Preserving the wellness and enhancing the quality of life for children in Northern California with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities and youth at-risk through unique therapeutic experiences and support.

For information about the camp and the Taylor Family Foundation, check out the camp's website: http://www.ttff.org/index.html