Links and FAQ
UCSF Medical Center
If we have not answered your question, please email us: ibdsummercamp@gmail.com.
1. What is the goal of the IBD Summer Camp?
At CAMP GO BeYOND, children with IBD can relax and have fun with kids their age who also have IBD, supervised by counselors with IBD, and a medical staff that specializes in IBD. Camp is a memorable and life-changing experience that encourages kids to return every year.
Campers can expect...
...excellent attention from well trained and committed counselors who also have IBD
... acceptance and friendships that last a lifetime
...a safe, secure environment where kids feel free to talk about anything because everyone understands
...to gain self confidence. Many campers are surprised when they participate in activities they never dreamed of doing
...comfortable cabins each with it's own restroom
...great tasting food that honors everyone's allergies and dietary restrictions.
2. Who can attend?
CAMP GO BeYOND is for children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with IBD (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis). Campers are ages 7-16; Counselors-in-Training age 17; and Counselors age 18 and over. Everyone under age 18 must have permission from his/her physician to attend the camp. The permission form is part of the Application Packet.
While many of our campers and volunteer counselors are from the San Francisco Bay Area, others come from all over the country. Camp activities are free to everyone who attends. Each participant is responsible for his/her transportation to and from Camp Arroyo in Livermore, CA.
3. Where is the camp located?
CAMP GO BeYOND is set amid rolling oak-studded hills at Camp Arroyo in Livermore, California. Camp Arroyo is a beautiful, modern facility managed by the Taylor Family Foundation. Please visit the Camp Arroyo page for address, map and directions.
4. Will my child be able to call or write to me from camp?
CAMP GO BeYOND's mission is to immerse children in a new environment where they can relate to other kids with IBD and have fun. We do not allow visits or calls from parents during the camp week. We do encourage kids to write to their parents and we can either mail or fax these letters to parents on a daily basis. Our Facebook page is updated each day with new photos and posts of the day's activities so parents can see what a great time their children are having. Campers are not permitted to bring cell phones to camp.
5. What if my child needs medical care DURING camp?
Our on-site medical team is available 24-hours/day. Additionally, emotional and social support is provided by our well trained counselors, most of whom also have IBD.
Kids bring all of their medications with them. Our medical staff will properly store medications and administer them to campers per the prescribed schedule. Our medical facility is also stocked with first aid supplies and OTC medicines that may be needed for minor cuts, colds, and aches.
6. How much does CAMP cost?
The IBD Summer Camp Foundation and the Taylor Family Foundation raise money through individual donations to make sure that camp will always be FREE OF CHARGE. We are a 501-c(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID 20-2925739.
Donations are gratefully accepted via PayPal or by check mailed to:
IBD Summer Camp Foundation
PO BOX 210521
San Francisco, CA 94121
