Camp JRA

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

July 13 – 18, 2025
Camp Victory, Millville, PA

About Camp JRA

Camp JRA 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, rock wall climbing, ropes course, campfires, fishing, archery and so much more! Throughout the week, our campers foster strong relationships with peers who understand their challenges. Campers will develop coping and advocacy skills, increase independence and confidence, and gain medical knowledge to further understand their diagnoses.

Sample Daily Schedule

7:30 AM Breakfast & Morning Medication Distribution
8:15 AM Morning Announcements and Camp Songs
8:30 - 9:30 AM Activity Block 1
9:45 - 10:45 AM Activity Block 2
11:00 - 12:00 PM Activity Block 3
12:15 PM Lunch & Midday Medication Distribution
1:00 - 2:00 PM Rest Period (Cabin Time/Quiet Time)
2:15 - 3:15 PM Activity Block 4
3:30 - 4:30 PM Free Time (Campers choose activities or relax)
4:45 - 5:45 PM Activity Block 5
6:00 PM Dinner & Evening Medication Distribution
7:00 - 8:00 PM Evening All-Camp Activity (Group Games, Campfire, etc.)
8:15 - 9:00 PM Evening Wind-Down (Cabin Chats, Storytelling, Journaling)
8:45 - 9:15 PM Bedtime Medication Distribution
9:30 PM Lights Out for Younger Campers / Quiet Time for Older Campers

Camp JRA Leadership & Staff

Noelle Johnson, JA Camp Manager

Noelle Johnson is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in youth community engagement and nonprofit work. In 2023, Noelle joined the Arthritis Foundation after receiving her own rheumatic diagnosis, deepening her passion for supporting others in similar situations. Currently, she serves as the Camp Manager for several Juvenile Arthritis camps across the U.S. Noelle is committed to empowering children and families affected by juvenile arthritis, fostering a sense of community, and providing resources for both education and emotional support. Noelle’s favorite part of camp is watching the Talent Show and cheering campers on during ropes course!

Vince Ruggeri, Volunteer Leader

Vince is our camp logistics pro! He will make sure supplies and people get where they need to be while at camp.

Nikki Halverstadt, Camp Coordinator

Nicole “Nikki” has been coming to camp since 2014. She was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at age 15 and always wanted a way to connect with others facing similar challenges. She heard about camp through her local Arthritis Foundation office while in college and is honored to be able to come back every year. While she never had the opportunity to be a camper, she says being a counselor has been the adventure and privilege of a lifetime. Now, she is our Evening Activities Coordinator and absolutely loves being able to contribute to the success of camp.

Liz Adamson, Medical Director

Liz is a nurse practitioner in pediatric rheumatology at Lehigh Valley Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball outside and hiking with her husband and three kids. She loves going to the beach in the summer, too!

Michelle Hess, Medical Director

Michelle lives in Elizabethtown with her husband, children and two doggies — Zoey and Mazie. She is a pediatric rheumatology care manager registered nurse (RN) at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. She has previous experience in pediatric and adult oncology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors — hiking, biking, kayaking and gardening. She also loves jazz, hip-hop and tap classes! She looks forward to another year at camp singing songs around the fire, paying games and having silly fun!

Tim Hahn, MD, Medical Director

Dr. Hahn is a pediatric rheumatologist with Penn State Health.

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.

Become a Volunteer