Explore the experiences created by our global network of camps and programs that inspire joy and belonging for children with serious medical conditions and their families.
“The camp experience brought back that joy, that spontaneity. It gave Evan independence and confidence that we hadn’t seen before.” – Joanie, Evan’s Mom
For Evan, living with an autoimmune disease meant pain, isolation, and struggles with confidence.
At age 10, Evan was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis — an autoimmune disease that causes such severe pain that he needed surgery on his right foot.
Over time, the ongoing pain and uncertainty around this condition took an emotional toll on Evan. He began to lose confidence in himself and in his future.
Then he found camp.
Camp created a space where Evan was understood and could rediscover joy.
At Flying Horse Farms, the SeriousFun camp in Ohio, Evan discovered a community where his condition didn’t need explanation. For the first time since his diagnosis, he was surrounded by peers who shared similar experiences. He was able to participate in activities like archery, zip lines, canoeing and swimming that had been adapted to accommodate his needs.
And, thanks to the medically safe and supportive environment of camp, Evan rediscovered spontaneity and fun.
As his mom said, “When you’re facing a serious medical condition, it’s so easy to lose sight of all the little things that bring you joy and happiness. Camp brings that back to you in spades.”
Evan left camp with confidence, a sense of belonging, and a new mindset.
Camp changed the way Evan saw himself and his condition, and he approached life after camp with newfound optimism.
His confidence grew at school, with friends, and in how he now sees his future. Evan’s growing courage shined while sharing his journey in front of hundreds of camp supporters at Flying Horse Farms, taking his public speaking skills developed at Stage Night to an entirely new level.
Camp also sparked something unexpected: a connection with his hero, 2x INDY 500 winner Josef Newgarden, who is passionate about supporting SeriousFun and kids facing health challenges. What started as an invitation to join Josef on a TV interview became a collection of core memories for Evan and his whole family, from attending INDYCAR races together to Evan joining Josef on the podium after his INDY 500 win.
Evan came to camp discouraged by the challenges of juvenille idopathic arthritis. He left with a shift in the way he views himself that has shaped everything since — from the confidence he carries at school to the activities and friendships that have expanded his world in joyfully unexpected ways.
For Evan, camp didn’t just change a week of his life. It changed everything.
