When your child was diagnosed with arthritis or another rheumatic disease, everything changed. But their dreams don’t have to.
Your child was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) or another rheumatic disease, you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, and wondering how this will affect their ability to just be a kid. We get it. That’s exactly why we created something special—a variety of programs intended to help your child thrive while giving you the support you need.
Since 2013, we’ve delivered thousands of specially designed backpacks to Canadian families, proving that the right support can help kids with arthritis live full, active lives. Because when your child feels confident and comfortable at school, everything else starts to fall into place.
This isn’t just a backpack—it helps your child feel normal again.
Every parent of a newly diagnosed child asks the same question: “Will my kid be okay at school?” The answer is absolutely yes, especially with the right tools and support.
Our backpacks do more than carry books. They’re specifically reviewed by physiotherapists and occupational therapists to ensure they check all the boxes. They protect vulnerable joints while helping your child feel confident, prepared, and understood. More importantly, they come with resources that help turn you from worried parent into empowered advocate.
What makes these backpacks different:
The best part – thanks to the generosity of our donors, these backpacks are free and delivered right to your door.
For kids ages 4-12: Building confidence from the very first day
The Beckmann backpacks for younger children aren’t just cute—they meet Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation guidelines specifically for kids with joint concerns. Each one features broad straps, supportive padding, and waist support that minimizes strain on vulnerable joints.
For teens ages 13-17: Style meets substance for the independence they crave
We partnered with Take a Pain Check Foundation to create something unprecedented—a backpack designed from scratch specifically for teens with arthritis or another rheumatic disease. Working with Matt & Nat, we developed multiple prototypes until we achieved the perfect balance: joint protection that doesn’t compromise on style.
This isn’t your typical “medical equipment.” It’s a sleek, eco-conscious backpack made entirely from recycled materials that teens want to carry. Because looking different was never part of their diagnosis.
Here’s how your family qualifies for support
We designed these criteria to help as many newly diagnosed families as possible. If your child fits these requirements, we’re here for you:
Your child qualifies if they:
Important: We may follow up with your child’s rheumatologist to confirm the diagnosis—this simply ensures we’re directing resources to families who need them most.
Please fill out the backpack request form to request your backpack. It can take up to 4-6 weeks for families to receive their backpacks after submitting the form. If you have questions about the program, please email [email protected].
Remplissez notre formulaire de demande. Les familles reçoivent généralement leur sac à dos dans les 4 à 6 semaines suivant leur demande. Des questions ? Envoyez un courriel à [email protected]
Your child isn’t the only one navigating arthritis.
As a parent, you’ve probably watched your child feel different, left out, or misunderstood because of their arthritis. You’ve seen them skip activities, struggle to explain their condition to friends, or feel isolated in ways that break your heart.
What if your child could connect with other kids who truly understand their experience?
Club Sunrise brings together children from kindergarten to grade 12 across Canada who are living with arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Here, your child won’t have to explain why they need breaks, why some days are harder than others, or why they can’t always keep up – because everyone gets it.
Why parents choose Club Sunrise for their children:
How it works: After your one-time registration, you’ll receive email invitations to twice-monthly virtual sessions. Your child can join the sessions that work for their schedule and energy levels – there’s never any pressure to attend everything.
Sessions range from dance parties and scavenger hunts to craft activities and games, all designed to build friendships while teaching valuable life skills. Plus, there are prizes and rewards for participation.
The peace of mind you’ve been looking for: Your child stays connected to this supportive community until age 18, but you can pause participation anytime by emailing [email protected].
Give your child the gift of belonging.
At Club Sunrise, your child will be celebrated for who they are, challenged to grow, and connected with peers who understand their journey.
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Imagine your child coming home from camp bursting with stories about their new best friends, the amazing things they accomplished, and already planning for next year. That’s exactly what happens when kids with arthritis find their place at our summer camps across Canada.
For most kids with arthritis, explaining their condition to friends can feel exhausting. At our camps, those conversations aren’t needed. Here, kids are simply… kids. They’re the archer who never misses, the swimmer who loves dips, the storyteller who keeps everyone laughing around the campfire.
“At one of my other camps I had to go home because of my arthritis. At this camp, I can do everything knowing I am supported medically. Everyone here gets ‘it’ and the food is sooo good!”
This isn’t just about having friends who understand – it’s about belonging somewhere completely, without explanations or limitations holding them back.
Something magical happens when kids realize they’re not alone with their challenges. Suddenly, they’re not the “kid with arthritis” – they’re just one of many amazing kids who happen to share similar experiences. The friendships formed here are different. Deeper. Built on genuine understanding and shared adventures.
“My daughter lives for this opportunity. We can’t explain how much of an impact this camp has had on her life, and especially the friends she has made. She waits all year to see them again.”
These aren’t just “camp friends” – they become the kids your child texts during tough school days, the ones they’re excited to video call, and the friends they count down the days to see again.
Activities designed for adventure, not limitations
Every single activity at camp is designed with one goal: maximum fun, zero barriers. From traditional favorites like swimming, archery, and arts & crafts to special programs tailored for different abilities and interests, we’ve reimagined what camp can be.
What makes our activities special:
The best part? Kids often discover talents and interests they never knew they had, simply because they finally have the right environment to explore and grow.
We have registered nurses on-site and manage medications and health needs expertly. But here’s what makes us different – medical support feels seamless and natural, not clinical or limiting.
Our medical team works behind the scenes to ensure every child can participate fully in camp life. They’re the friendly faces who check in, the knowledgeable staff who understand each child’s unique needs, and the safety net that lets kids focus on being kids.
Additional support includes social workers and occupational therapists at most camps and mental health awareness training for all counsellors.
| Camp Location | Dates | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Kids on the Move Camp (Quebec) | June 23 – 27, 2026 | Register here |
| Camp All In This Together (Alberta) | July 6 – 10, 2026 | Register here |
| Camp British Columbia | July 5 – 9, 2026 | Register here |
| Camp JoinTogether (Atlantic) | July 12 – 17, 2026 | Register here |
| Camp Limitless (Manitoba) | July 20 – 24, 2026 | Register here |
| Camp Ontario | August 18 – 22, 2026 | Register here |
Keeping camp free for every family
We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of camp, regardless of family finances. Thanks to generous community support and fundraising efforts, we work tirelessly to keep our camps completely free for all families.
Your support helps make this possible:
Every contribution goes straight toward providing unforgettable summers for kids who need this community most. You’re not just supporting camp – you’re investing in friendships, confidence, and futures.
Where are the camps located? We have camps across Canada in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Even if you’re not in one of these provinces, we can often find a way to make camp work for your family!
What about homesickness or anxiety? It’s completely normal for both kids and parents to feel nervous about camp. Our counsellors are trained to support children who might be struggling, and we work closely with families to develop strategies that help kids feel secure and excited about their camp experience.
Is camp right for my child if they struggle with mental health? We’re committed to supporting every aspect of your child’s well-being. With social workers, occupational therapists, and mental health trained counsellors, we create supportive environments for kids facing various challenges. We encourage families to reach out to [email protected] to discuss how we can best support your child.
How do I prepare my child for camp? Start conversations about camp early, focusing on the fun and friendships ahead. Let them help pack, look at photos from previous camps together, and talk about what they’re most excited about. Most importantly, let your excitement show – kids pick up on our energy!
Can I contact my child during camp? Camp is designed to be a fully immersive experience where kids build independence and confidence. While direct contact isn’t available during camp, this helps children engage completely with their new community. For emergencies, you can always reach us at [email protected].
Every child deserves to experience the pure joy of summer camp – the friendships, the adventures, the confidence that comes from being truly understood and accepted. Our camps offer something you simply can’t find anywhere else: a community where kids with arthritis don’t just fit in, they thrive.
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Subscribe NowAs an organization with nationwide reach, we recognize our work occurs on traditional Indigenous territories across Canada. Arthritis Society Canada’s national office is located in Toronto (Tkaronto), which is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. We also acknowledge this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We encourage you to learn more about the nations, land, and communities in the areas where you live. Read our full statement.
