Camp Oasis FAQ
What is Camp Oasis?
Camp Oasis is the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's summer camp program that enriches the lives of children with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by providing them with a safe and supportive camp community.
What are the dates of Camp Oasis?
Sessions run throughout the summer. Visit find a camp to learn more.
Where is Camp Oasis located?
There are a total of 11 residential Camp Oasis locations throughout the country. Please visit find a camp to find the one closest to you. We also offer a virtual session (CampOasis@Home) for those unable to join us in-person.
How is camper eligibility determined?
Any child with medically stable Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is invited to apply. Age requirements, capacity, session dates, and application deadlines vary by site. See find a camp for more information.
What is the LIT Program?
The Leaders in Training (LIT) Program is a special leadership development program for camp's oldest teenagers. It runs for the duration of each session, and combines the fun of camp with additional age-appropriate responsibilities and leadership building activities. On a typical day, LITs might attend a leadership meeting, assist with a special activity, help entertain a group of younger campers, and participate in several camp activities alongside their fellow campers. The age range for the LIT Program varies by site, so please visit Find a Camp for more information.
Is there on-site medical care?
Each camp is equipped with a 24-hour on-site health center staffed by physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, and dietitians experienced in working with IBD patients. Careful steps are taken to ensure that campers follow the medical regimen prescribed by their doctors back home.
How does Camp Oasis select its staff?
Many of the staff at the Camp Oasis sites are adult volunteers with IBD, who have experience working with kids & teens. Many have worked at Camp Oasis before, and some have even been campers. All are carefully screened and trained to ensure a safe and comfortable setting.
What do campers/LITs do all day?
The typical camp day starts around 8:30AM and ends at approximately 9:30PM, though bedtimes vary by age. The daily schedule usually includes several activity periods (swimming, arts and crafts, team sports, etc.) and an Evening Activity (campfire, Talent Show, Scavenger Hunt, etc.), as well as three meals, a snack, a rest hour, and time for showering and cabin clean-up.
What are the cabins, bathroom facilities, and meals like?
At Camp Oasis, we want the kids to focus on having fun, so we provide comfortable enclosed cabins that are either equipped with or located very close to sanitary bathrooms and shower facilities. We also ensure there are bathrooms located throughout camp for easy access all day and strive to provide IBD friendly meal and snack options.
Can I see what the camp looks like for myself?
Due to our host site's busy schedule, we cannot accommodate on-site visits, but you are more than welcome to view the host site's website. Simply enter their name in your browser for a sneak peak of the facility, activities, and fun!
Can I volunteer at camp if my child attends?
One of the most important outcomes that our campers experience is an increased sense of independence. To foster that outcome, we do not allow parents of campers to serve as camp counselors. If you are interested in helping in other ways, some of our sites could use Travel Chaperones and/or Check-in Volunteers. Please visit our Find a Camp page to apply.
Can I talk to my child during camp?
Due to the nature of our schedule, campers cannot receive unplanned phone calls, but letters are always welcome. We distribute mail to campers daily. Additionally, you may send your child with self-addressed stamped envelopes as there will be time each day for letter writing.
What does my child need to bring to camp?
Just the basics - active clothes and footwear, toiletries, and linens. Please do not pack anything expensive, sentimental, or anything else you don't want to potentially get lost or broken. We'll send you a complete packing list several weeks prior to camp.
How does the camper application process work?
First, complete the online application for your chosen location via the Find a Camp page. If you completed an online application in the past, you must still complete an application each year you wish to attend.
Once you have submitted the online portion of the application, you will receive a confirmation email containing the remaining required hard copy forms which must be downloaded, completed by the designated parties, and then submitted to the Foundation's National Camp Office.
Applications must be received by the specified deadline, and are only considered complete once all of the required hard copy forms have been received.
Each complete application will be reviewed by a designated medical professional to confirm the camp is equipped to care for the child. Applicants for the LIT program will undergo an additional review, related to their separate 1-page LIT Application and phone interview, to determine whether the child has the qualities necessary for this more specialized program.
Parents will be notified by email as soon as the review process is complete, and will be provided additional camp information as applicable.
For a visual explanation of the camper/LIT application process please view the Camper/LIT Application Process Flowchart.
Is there a fee to attend camp?
Yes, there is an attendance fee. Scholarships are available to those who qualify. To apply for a scholarship, simply fill out the scholarship form located within the application. Additional information regarding the attendance fee and scholarship program can be found here: Camp Oasis Attendance Fee, Scholarship, & Travel Stipend FAQ.
Is transportation provided?
Some of our sites offer transportation to/from the camp that serves your region. Contact the Associate Director of Camp Oasis, Lori Butterfield, at (646) 477 - 4765 / [email protected] to see what arrangements might be available in your area.
How do I donate?
If you would like to make a donation to Camp Oasis, please click here.
How can I stay in touch with my camp friends in the off-season?
A great way to keep in contact and get together with your Camp Oasis friends is by creating a Take Steps Camp Oasis Team. Invite your family, friends and fellow campers to join your team and join with others across the US as we raise money for a cure. Visit www.cctakesteps.org and choose the Camp Oasis National Team.
Can I apply as a camper or volunteer if I don't live in the United States?
We welcome everyone who wishes to attend or volunteer at camp to apply. You can apply to any of our camps, but please be aware that precedence will be given to campers and volunteers who reside in the camp's region. After you have applied please contact the Camp Oasis Leadership Team to make them aware of your situation.
I have additional questions about camp. Who should I contact?
Please contact the Associate Director of Camp & Community Engagement, Daniel Marinoni, at (646) 771 - 0455 / [email protected]