Camp Oasis: Helping Youth with IBD Feel Seen, Supported, and Less Alone
Published: February 5, 2026
Registration is now open for Camp Oasis 2026 summer sessions!
Picture this. There’s a summer breeze. Laughter rings through a mess hall at lunchtime. Across the table is a friend you met only days ago, but you feel like you’ve known them for a lifetime.
You’ve bonded over crafts, races, canoe rides, shared meals, and campfires. But there’s also a deeper connection. You both have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Like you, they wear their ostomy bag proudly. Like you, they know what it’s like to miss school, to plan their day around medication, or to take frequent trips to the doctor. They know what it’s like to feel different than their peers.
That’s the magic of Camp Oasis, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s summer program for children and teens living with IBD—instant community and belonging.
Camp Oasis: A Place Where Kids Don’t Have to Explain Themselves
A new Foundation survey found that after attending Camp Oasis, campers were 48% less likely to report feeling embarrassed about having IBD.
This powerful finding reinforces what we’ve always known—Camp Oasis changes lives.
“I’ve had Crohn’s disease for as long as I can remember. Some parts are still really tough, but there are also things that have helped me a lot, especially Camp Oasis,” said Savannah Callum, a camper from Texas. “I love going there every summer. No one has to pretend or explain anything—we all just get it.”
Across the country, campers spend a week at one of 10 in-person sites across the country; there is also the option to bond virtually through CampOasis@Home.
From trained medical staff to cabin counselors, everyone understands IBD. Medication routines, dietary needs, and bathroom breaks are simply part of camp life. For many campers, it’s the first place they feel completely at ease being themselves.
“Many new Camp Oasis campers arrive feeling isolated by challenges that few peers their age can relate to and uncomfortable speaking about their disease,” said Anna Gundersen, Senior Manager, Camp Oasis. “At Camp Oasis, campers find understanding, laughter, and connection in a community that truly ‘gets it.’ Through shared experiences and supportive new friendships, they realize they’re not alone in their health journey.”
Living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Finding Confidence Through Camp Community
The effects of Camp Oasis extend well beyond the summer. From greater confidence and openness to self-advocacy skills, kids become more comfortable speaking up about what they need and are more willing to participate fully in activities.
“This past summer was my third time, and every year I feel more confident,” shared Savannah. “One day, I really want to be a camp counselor so I can help younger kids feel the same support and happiness that camp has given me.”
The Lasting Impact of Coming Back to Camp
The data also shows that the benefits of Camp Oasis extend well beyond a single summer. Before camp even began, returning campers were about 31% less likely to feel embarrassed about having IBD than first-time campers, suggesting that the confidence built at camp lasts.
Long-term findings reinforce this impact. Over an eight-year study period:
- 98% of campers said Camp Oasis is a place where they feel supported and where they belong.
- 96% of campers and parents said Camp Oasis had a positive impact on well-being.
Camp staff regularly see campers grow year after year—becoming leaders, mentors, and role models for younger campers who are just beginning their journey.
Why These Findings Matter Beyond Camp
Reduced embarrassment doesn’t just make camp more enjoyable, it can shape a child’s future. Confidence and emotional well-being are closely tied to how young people manage their disease, build relationships, and navigate school and social situations.
“I can see that camp was a formative experience for my son,” shared one parent from Minnesota. “He came back to us more confident, more independent, and full of stories about camp. He can’t wait until next summer!”
For families, that growth is often one of the most meaningful outcomes of Camp Oasis.
Looking Ahead: Join Us at Camp Oasis
Registration is now open for Camp Oasis 2026 summer sessions, and we encourage families, especially those considering camp for the first time, to apply.
Camp Oasis offers more than a week of summer fun; it provides connection, confidence, and a reminder that no child has to face IBD alone.
Savannah put it best: “No one has to pretend or explain anything—we all just get it.”
