Camp Joint Adventures

The Arthritis Foundation’s Camp Joint Adventures provides kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases a chance to have fun, build confidence and make lasting memories.

June 16 – 20, 2025
Wilderness Camping and Retreat Center, Lawson, MO

About Camp Joint Adventures

Camp Joint Adventures provides a safe and inclusive environment for campers with a variety of rheumatic conditions to come together and enjoy a week of camp. Campers ages 8 to 17 participate in a variety of activities including kayaking, swimming (in a pool and lake), cardboard boat races, tie-dying, creek stomp, fishing, hayrides, campfires and s’mores, dance party, fizzy tag and so much more! Throughout the week, our campers foster strong relationships with peers who understand the same struggles they are going through. Camp Joint Adventure campers will develop coping and advocacy skills, gain a sense of independence, and further their medical knowledge to better understand their diagnoses.

Sample Schedule

Wake up and get ready!
Breakfast
Gentle morning warm-up
Meds
Morning activities (crafts, physical activity, and/or education series)
Lunch
Afternoon activities
Cabin time followed by rest time
Free time
Dinner
Evening activity (varies each day)
Night meds and wind down
Lights out

Camp Joint Adventures Leadership & Staff

Dana Smith, Camp Coordinator

Dana has been a Camp Joint Adventures volunteer for over 25 years. She’s been a counselor, arts and crafts leader and a director. Dana has always shared a special bond with the kids at Joint Adventures since she, too, has had arthritis since age 13. She says she is inspired by the campers every year and the camp experience has had a huge, positive impact on her life. Dana finds it rewarding helping the kids enjoy their time at camp! Outside of camp, she enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, crafting and hanging poolside.

Reaghan Wharff and Jacen Heafner, Camp Leaders

Reaghan and Jacen join our leadership team in 2024 after serving on our planning committee and helping us create some incredible camp magic in 2023! Reghan's background in working with medical non-profits and Jacen's knowledge as a graduate of Camp Joint Adventures make them a dynamic duo.

Ashley Cooper, MD, Medical Director

Dr. Cooper is a pediatric rheumatologist at Children's Mercy in Kansas City and has been involved with JA camp since 2014. She says camp week is her favorite week of the year! Dr. Cooper got involved with camp and the Arthritis Foundation mostly to support her patients, but she also has psoriatic arthritis, too. In her time away from work, she is a foster parent for teen girls.

Haley Killian, PhD, Mental Health Director

This is Dr. Killian’s first year at Camp Joint Adventures. She is a pediatric psychologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City.

Volunteer

Ever thought of being a camp counselor?

Being a counselor at JA Camp is FUN and rewarding! If you need volunteer, practicum or observation hours, this may qualify, and we can help! Click here to get started with your volunteer application.

Apply Now