We look forward to welcoming our campers back to camp this summer! Hosted at Camp Kindle in the picturesque Rocky Mountain Foothills, just outside of Water Valley, Camp All In This Together welcomes youth ages 8-17, diagnosed with arthritis or another rheumatic condition from across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. In some cases, we also accept campers from British Columbia and Saskatchewan. From the beginning, the focus of Camp Alberta has been to provide a place where children and youth with arthritis can come together and participate in fun, barrier-free activities in an environment where their medical and social needs can be supported.
At Camp Alberta, campers are given an opportunity to increase their independence, learn new things, engage in social activities and meet new friends. Camp offers not only fun activities like crafts, sports, ropes courses, and archery but also the chance for children and youth to learn about their condition and discuss coping strategies with peers who understand their journey. Our medical and trained staff are attentive to each camper’s medical needs, and young adults with arthritis serve as mentor group leaders. Camp Alberta guarantees a lifetime of memories and lasting friendships!
Camp will run from July 6 – 10, 2026.
Camper Information
To learn more about camp, please review our camper handbook and packing list. These will be updated for 2026 in the Spring.
- Camper Handbook [PDF 1.6MB]
- Camper Packing List [Doc 101KB]
What We Pack into Each Day
Your child will be staying for five days and four nights in dorm rooms with trained counselors and kids around their same age. Each day they will participate in activities that usually include a water activity, an indoor activity, or a fun physical activity. In the evening, kids enjoy more activities or events such as campfire songs, stories, and a camp dance.
All Camp Kindle programs follow the “Challenge by Choice” philosophy, which allows participants to define success individually, giving them the opportunity to choose the level at which they challenge themselves.
Food
Camp Kindle is committed to catering to the unique needs of every group with an emphasis on the Canada Food Guide. The chef will create healthy, tasty meals and can provide special medical or faith-based menus upon request.
Medical Services
The ReKindle Clinic is ideal for groups of children who require additional medical care or support. There are two private rooms with ensuite bathrooms in the clinic for assessment, quarantine, or as a quiet place for a camper to rest. Before any specialized group arrives at the camp, the staff is briefed on medical issues that may arise. We want the entire camp experience to be amazing – and the ReKindle Clinic offers peace of mind to campers and their families.
Location
Camp Kindle
Box 280, 29479 Range Road 61a
Water Valley, AB T0M 2E0
Registration
Registration for our 2026 camp will open February 4, 2026. Please note that this year, we will be prioritizing campers who have never had the opportunity to attend camp.
Important dates
- Phase 1: Application
February 4 – February 26, 2026 - Phase 2: Conditional Acceptance
March 16 – April 3, 2026 - Phase 3: Final Acceptance
Campers will be notified of their final acceptance by the end of April
Please see our registration information below for more information on this year’s registration process.
Qualifications
To qualify for selection, the following criteria must be met:
1. A confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition.
2. Covered by Alberta’s health care plan, or private health insurance. Proof of an Alberta health card or private health insurance is REQUIRED for camp.
How to register
Families will be able to apply online using our secure registration website. Please note: Registration will be online only. The registration portal can be accessed via this webpage beginning on February 4, 2026. Please note that an application does not guarantee a spot at camp. All applications will be reviewed and officially confirmed via email from Arthritis Society Canada.
When all spaces are filled, we will start a waitlist. Even if the camp is full, we still encourage interested families to apply. Cancellations are common throughout the year.
Costs
Living with childhood arthritis can put a strain on a family’s time, energy, and financial resources. Our goal is to keep camp free for all campers across the country, and our fundraising team is working tirelessly to make this possible. However, we can’t do it alone—we rely on generous donations and community fundraising efforts to cover the cost of camp.
You can help ensure every child gets the chance to experience the joy of camp!
Join Us in Making Camp Possible
Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing an unforgettable camp experience for children living with arthritis. By fundraising or making a donation, you play a direct role in making this possible.
If we are unable to raise the necessary funds, a registration fee may need to be introduced. Should this be required, we will make every effort to notify families as soon as possible.
FAQ
When is the 2026 camp?
Camp All In This Together will take place from July 6 – 10, 2026.
Where is camp located?
Our Alberta camp is hosted at Camp Kindle in Water Valley, AB.
How will my child get to camp?
Bus transportation will be available from both Calgary and Edmonton.
- Edmonton bus location: will be updated in the Spring
- Calgary bus location: will be updated in the spring
The time of bus registration (July 6) and parent pick up (July 10) will be communicated to all families in June. If you are located in Calgary or Edmonton we highly encourage you to opt for bus transportation. All families, however, also have the option to drop their child off at camp.
What is the make-up of your campers?
Camp All In This Together campers range in age from 8-17 and include children & teens with a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis or another rheumatic condition. We have campers that come from across Alberta, Northwest Territories and in some cases Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Campers are placed into cabins based on their age group and gender identity.
How are medications administered?
Camp All In This Together includes 4-5 full time nurses and advanced care paramedics. We also have the support of a physiotherapist and rheumatologist(s) who will be onsite during camp throughout the week. All medications will be kept and administered by the camp medical team. All medication times will be accommodated.
How do you accommodate dietary needs?
The meals at Camp All In This Together cater to dietary needs that include, but are not limited to: lactose-intolerance, gluten-intolerance, halal, vegetarian, and vegan. Additionally, camp is a nut aware facility. We cannot guarantee that nuts are not in the facility, but all of our food is made nut free and we ask that people do not bring food to camp that has nuts in it.
How do you deal with homesickness?
Our experienced staff members help camper’s transition into the camp schedule. Most campers are so busy having fun at camp they don’t have a chance to think about things they are missing at home. When a camper does become homesick, we work on letter-writing, or another task to help them connect with home, but we also direct them right back into the camp schedule, so they can focus on having fun. We also have registered nurses on-site 24/7 to provide support to each camper.
Can I contact my child while at camp?
Camp All In This Together is a great opportunity for kids to be fully immersed in their camp experience. For some, it may be their first time away from home and they are building their independence and confidence. For this reason, family and friends are not able to contact their children while they are at camp. If there is an emergency and you need to reach your child, please email [email protected].
Can my child bring a cell phone or electronic device to camp?
Camp All In This Together is unplugged! No electronic devices will be allowed at camp except in rare circumstances with prior approval from camp staff. If the campers would like to capture memories at camp, they will be allowed to bring a disposable camera or, if you wish, a small, inexpensive digital camera. Please note: Camp Kindle and Arthritis Society Canada will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items at camp.
What is your communicable illness policy?
We are taking every measure to ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff at camp. We continue to monitor public health guidelines and work with our medical team to ensure that our policies and procedures align with best practices outlined by both Public Health.
Volunteer
The heart of the camp – that’s the best way to describe our volunteers. Every year, Arthritis Society Canada recruits, screens and trains volunteers from all over Canada to create a magical week for our campers. Volunteer roles include:
- Camp Counsellor
- Medical Team Member
- Bus Registration
Parents/Guardians are not eligible to volunteer onsite at camp but can support bus registration.
Arthritis Society Canada aims to create a safe and healthy experience for each camper and volunteer. We have designed mandatory training to ensure all volunteers feel comfortable in their positions at camp. This includes training from rheumatologists, social workers and occupational therapists on what it is like to live with childhood arthritis. Many of our volunteers live with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions and create endless opportunities for campers to learn and relate to others living with arthritis.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected].
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please email [email protected] or call toll free at 1-800-321-1433.
We thank our donors and sponsors for their generous support
