Camp Milagros

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

July 14 – 18, 2025
Camp Arroyo, Livermore, CA

About Camp Milagros

Camp Milagros 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 swimming, tie-dying, rock wall climbing, ropes course, campfires and s’mores, cooking competitions, slip-and-slide and so much more! Throughout the week, our campers foster strong relationships with peers who understand the same struggles they are going through. Camp Milagros campers 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 Milagros Leadership & Staff

Robin Kingham Director, JA Family Engagement

Robin has been a passionate advocate for the magic of summer camp for many years. In 2022, she brought her expertise to the Arthritis Foundation, where she oversees the national JA summer camp program, creating unforgettable experiences for kids with rheumatic diagnoses.

Brooke Christian and Taylor Pierce, Camp Coordinators

Brooke has been attending Camp Milagros since she was 11 years old. She attended camp and teen retreat until she was 17 years old. Brooke has volunteered as a counselor for four years until she took over three years ago as co-director. Fun fact: Brooke and her camp co-director, Taylor, went to camp together as kids! Brooke currently works as a pediatric nurse at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health where she received her treatment as a kid. Camp is one of Brooke’s favorite summer activities! She says she loves watching the kids meet people who are just like them.

Taylor is also a former Camp Milagros camper. She met Brooke during their time as campers and for the past three years has served as a co-director. Taylor brings an incredible background in mental health and student support to camp.

Mel Balboni, MD, PhD, Medical Director

Dr. Balboni is our fearless leader in the infirmary, overseeing an incredible team dedicated to caring for our campers and volunteers throughout the week. When she's not at Camp Milagros, Dr. Balboni is a pediatric rheumatologist at Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Ashley Wolfe, LCSW, Mental Health Director

Ashley is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has been volunteering for Camp Milagros since 2007. As the Mental Health Director at camp, Ashley provides support in creating and maintaining the warm, affirming, family-like atmosphere we strive for at camp. When she is not at Camp Milagros, she works as a mental health therapist at a high school in Stockton. Ashley's love for the Arthritis Foundation came from its role in her own life — she has arthritis and attended her first conference at 6 years old and realized how many other kids there were with arthritis. For years after, the Foundation's programs and conferences became a safe place for her to connect with other youth and build understanding about her disease.

Nikki Ling, MD, Rheumatologist and Medical Team member

Dr. Ling is a pediatric rheumatologist at the University of California, San Francisco. She has been a volunteer for Camp Milagros since 2014. Dr. Ling says volunteering at Camp Milagros is an absolute joy because it’s a place where she can witness the incredible transformations that happen when children get to be themselves outside of the clinical setting. She adds: “There’s something truly magical about watching them grow, learn and thrive amidst their peers in this unique environment. It’s a reminder that healing extends beyond medical treatments and that the support and camaraderie they find at camp can be just as powerful in their journey to wellness.” Dr. Ling says that working with these children fills her heart with happiness and is continually inspired by their resilience and spirit.

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.

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