Results: Each year, Camp Blue Spruce focuses on the health and well-being of around 400 youth ages 8 through 17 years old, including kids of color, LGBTQ+ and low-income participants. Food allergies are an epidemic impacting 5.6 million children and teens under the age of 18. Since 1997, the number of kids with this disability has doubled (FARE, 2020). With a 95% return rate, 76% of our campers continue on as counselors or volunteers. And 97% say the camp experience made them more confident and 90% say they are more independent. In the community, our teens advocate for food allergy policies, film documentaries and work with local food banks.
Target demographics: kids and teens living with food allergy disabilities, celiac and other atopic diseases
Geographic areas served: Oregon. Kids and teens are invited to attend from across the country and Canada. We offer virtual programs as well.
Programs: (Overnight Camp/Counselor in Training/Online Mentorship/In-Person Community Events/Job Opportunities) The vision is that all children and teens with food allergies have a sense of belonging, trust and community. Camp Blue Spruce strives to reach this vision through intentional programming that considers the social and emotional impacts of food allergies, including their flagship overnight medical camp, in-person local events, and year-round on-line mentorship programs.
Camp Blue Spruce’s values - respect, stewardship, compassion, responsibility, trust, independence - are embedded in the following programs:
1) An authentic and fun week-long overnight camp experience for kids 9 to 13 years.
2) A Teen eXplorer Camp where 14 to 16 year-olds focus on personal growth, responsibility, self-reliance and teamwork.
3) A Counselor in Training Program for high school seniors to progress from camper to staff while building camping and leadership skills.
4) A Counselor Team that provides mentorship, leadership and job opportunities for young adults starting at 18 years old. Eighty percent of counselors are returning campers and young adults who live with the same medical conditions as the campers.
5) Food-Free Fun events which bring together newly diagnosed families in-person for worry-free community-building and educational activities.
6) Mentorship programs that offer connection and build confidence and advocacy skills for youth starting at age 8.
