National Virtual Cystinosis Camp

The American Kidney Fund hosts virtual camp nights for pediatric cystinosis kidney patients across the country. These virtual camp nights are provided free of charge and provide children with a break from dialysis, hospitals, and their illness.

AKF virtual camp
AKF National Camp Program

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) partnered with the Johns Hopkins Children's Center to host their Camp All-Stars program for children with kidney disease in 2019. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp All-Stars' in-person camp was canceled. AKF knew the importance of having these campers remain connected to each other, especially during a time of increased social isolation, so virtual camp was born. 

AKF will host two virtual zoom activities for pediatric patients across the country with cystinosis giving them the opportunity to meet other kids just like them! Each activity will be an hour in which the kids can truly take a break from their diagnosis and just be a kid. We will provide all of the supplies needed to join in on the fun – all you need to do is log in!

In addition to personalized cystinosis virtual camp activities, each camper will be registered for our National Virtual Camp where pediatric kidney patients from across the country can sign up to participate in game nights, art classes, science experiments, gingerbread decorating – you name it, we do it! In addition, each camper receives a welcome to camp bag from AKF! 

Learn more about the American Kidney Fund's National Virtual Camp Program!

A camper thanks the American Kidney Fund

I don't want to ever sign out of these zooms! This is the only time I can talk to people like me! - Trystian, Camper

The power of virtual connections

Virtual camp provides a break from dialysis, hospitals and their illness — enriching the lives of children living with kidney disease by allowing them to just be kids. This virtual environment offers campers the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand what they are going through, which serves as a reminder that they are not alone. Campers share their life-experiences, form friendships, socialize with their peers and engage in creative, constructive outlets.

Register for the 2023 National Virtual Cystinosis Camp

Each month, AKF hosts a virtual activity over Zoom that gives kids with kidney disease the opportunity to form friendships with peers who have shared experiences. Throughout the year, kids will participate in a variety of virtual activities such as art classes, BINGO, science night, game night, trivia, and MORE!

Enter your contact information:

Parent/legal guardian information:

Camper information:

If you respond and have not already registered, you will receive periodic updates and communications from American Kidney Fund.

Lockett S

I see him more at ease in the virtual camps, more himself even though the kids might be complete strangers to him. They just "get it" – Tara, Parent

Thank you to the generous support of Horizon Therapeutics for making this program possible.

We are also thankful to the Cystinosis Research Network for their leadership in supporting this patient community, and for their continued partnership with the American Kidney Fund.