offer a camp experience for children suffering with Juvenile ArthritisThe Arthritis Society - Atlantic

The Atlantic Canadian Branch of the Arthritis Society wishes to create a camp for children suffering from juvenile arthritis to keep them moving physically, mentally and spiritually.

Our Keep Kids Moving Camp is dedicated to children who are suffering from juvenile arthritis. The camp strives to give these children a place to enjoy physical activity with their peers suffering from the same disease, which allows them to create new friendships and ways of coping with the day to day struggles of living with arthritis.

The Keep Kids Moving Camp will take place in the month of August at the new Brigadoon Camp facility located in Nova Scotia. The location provides programming in Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education, Aquatics and Art. For our inaugural year we are hoping to provide this experience to a minimum of 40　children ages 8 to 16,　throughout the Atlantic Provinces.

What sets this camp apart is the fact that campers participate in activities designed to promote treatment, education, self management strategies, coping skills and a healthy lifestyle. Peer counselors act as role models and provide emotional support for the campers. One of the most important components of the camp is for the children to experience a peer group with similar challenges and establish friendships that can continue after the camp. Children with arthritis have to learn to cope with life's difficulties at an early age. They may have to overcome pain, depression, separation from family and friends during hospitalizations and limitations on their ability to do things and have fun. They must take on the responsibility of an exercise program and take medication on a regular basis. But with guidance, encouragement, and programs such as the Keep Kids Moving camp, these can be growing experiences.