Allergy Friendly Summer Camps: A Parent's Guide for 2025
Allergy Friendly Summer Camps: A Parent's Guide for 2025
Summer camp is a cherished tradition, offering children the chance to make new friends, explore the outdoors, and gain independence. For parents of children with food allergies, ensuring a safe and inclusive camp environment is a top priority. Fortunately, there are many summer camps across the country that are equipped to accommodate kids with food allergies, providing safe, memorable, and fun experiences.
This guide highlights some of the top allergy friendly summer camps for 2025 and offers tips to help prepare your child for a successful camp experience.
What to Look for in an Allergy Friendly Camp
Not all camps have the same level of allergy awareness, so it's important to ask the right questions when choosing one. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Food Allergy Policies & Dining Accommodations
✔️ Does the camp have a nut-free or allergy friendly kitchen?
✔️ Can they accommodate your child’s specific allergens?
✔️ Do they work with families to develop personalized meal plans?
✔️ How do they handle cross-contact prevention in food preparation?
2. Emergency Preparedness & Medical Staff
✔️ Are staff members trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions?
✔️ Is there a medical professional or nurse on-site at all times?
✔️ Do they require all campers to carry epinephrine or have a clear emergency protocol?
3. Staff Training & Communication
✔️ How are counselors trained to handle food allergies?
✔️ Is there a designated allergy coordinator for parents to communicate with?
✔️ How does the camp handle communication between staff, kitchen teams, and parents?
4. Inclusive Activities & Environment
✔️ Are activities designed to be inclusive for kids with food allergies?
✔️ Do they educate all campers about food allergy awareness to create a supportive environment?
✔️ Can kids bring their own safe snacks and treats?
💡 Helpful Resource: Check out FARE’s guide on food allergy friendly camps.
Top Allergy Friendly Summer Camps in 2025
Here are some of the best summer camps in the U.S. that prioritize food allergy safety and inclusion:
1. Camp TAG (FAACT’s Camp for Kids with Food Allergies)
📍 Locations: Multiple locations across the U.S.
🔹 Run by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT)
🔹 Specifically designed for kids with food allergies and their siblings
🔹 Focuses on allergy education, safety, and building confidence
🔗 Learn more: Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang)
2. Camp Blue Spruce (Oregon)
📍 Location: Oregon
🔹 Completely free from the top 9 allergens plus gluten
🔹 No peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, or sesame on-site
🔹 Outdoor adventure, sports, and creative activities in a fully inclusive setting
🔗 Learn more: Camp Blue Spruce
3. Camp Wicosuta (New Hampshire)
📍 Location: Hebron, New Hampshire
🔹 Nut-free kitchen with designated allergy friendly food prep areas
🔹 Counselors and staff trained in food allergy management and epinephrine administration
🔹 Traditional summer camp experience with sports, arts, and adventure activities
🔗 Learn more: Camp Wicosuta
4. Camp Wingate*Kirkland (Massachusetts)
📍 Location: Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
🔹 Nut-free and allergy-aware camp
🔹 Staff is trained in allergy management and has emergency protocols in place
🔹 Activities include hiking, swimming, arts, and leadership-building
🔗 Learn more: Camp Wingate*Kirkland
5. Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods Camps (Michigan)
📍 Location: Decatur, Michigan
🔹 Peanut- and tree nut-free
🔹 Special dietary accommodations available, including gluten-free and dairy-free options
🔹 Wide range of camp activities, including water sports, arts, and adventure programs
🔗 Learn more: Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods Camps
💡 Looking for more options? Check out Spokin’s list of the top food allergy-friendly overnight camps.
Preparing for Camp: Tips for Parents
Once you’ve chosen the right camp, preparation is key! Here’s how to set your child up for success:
1. Have a Pre-Camp Meeting
- Meet with the camp director and medical staff to review allergy policies.
- Go over your child’s allergy action plan (Free2b’s guide can help).
- Ask how food allergies are communicated to staff and campers.
2. Pack Allergy Essentials
- Epinephrine devices (plus extras for staff or counselors).
- Safe snacks (even if the camp provides allergy friendly meals).
- Medical alert bracelet for easy identification.
- Emergency contact list with your child’s allergy details.
3. Teach Your Child Self-Advocacy Skills
- Practice speaking up about allergies and asking about ingredients.
- Role-play how to handle peer questions or social situations.
- Make sure they know their emergency plan and who to tell if they feel unwell.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right summer camp for a child with food allergies takes extra research, but the reward is a safe, confidence-building, and unforgettable experience. With the right camp, your child can enjoy new adventures, make lifelong friends, and gain independence—all while staying safe.
💛 Do you know of other allergy friendly camps? Share them in the comments!