About This Camp

The Joe Martin ALS Foundation offers two specialized overnight camp programs designed exclusively for children and teens whose families have been touched by ALS. Joe’s Camp serves younger children ages 8-13, while Joe’s Camp & Hike provides an adventure-focused experience for teens ages 14-17. These unique programs create a supportive community where participants can connect with peers who understand their experiences, while enjoying outdoor adventures and building lasting friendships. Joe’s Camp & Hike is particularly notable as a weekend hiking adventure that combines overnight camping with up to 8 miles of hiking on Saturday and Sunday. Led by experienced counselors from YMCA Camp Cherokee’s Bold & Gold program alongside Joe Martin ALS Foundation staff, the program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. What makes these camps truly special is that they are completely free to attend, including lodging, meals, and all activities, removing financial barriers for families already facing the challenges of ALS.

Activities

[‘overnight camping’‘hiking’‘hiking up to 8 miles’‘outdoor adventure’‘problem-solving’‘critical thinking’‘meal preparation’‘friendship activities’]

Key Highlights

  • [‘Free specialized camps for ALS-affected families’
  • ‘Professional outdoor adventure programming with experienced YMCA counselors’
  • ‘Supportive community for children and teens facing similar family challenges’]

Special Features

  • [‘Exclusively for families affected by ALS’
  • ‘Completely free including lodging and meals’
  • ‘Professional counselors from YMCA Camp Cherokee’
  • ‘All camping gear provided’
  • ‘Transportation scholarships available’
  • ‘Peer support focus’
  • “Parent’s Day program with caregiving training”]

Best For

Children and teens whose families are affected by ALS who would benefit from connecting with peers in similar situations while enjoying outdoor adventures and building resilience through specialized support programming

Parent Considerations

[‘Very specific eligibility requirement – family must be touched by ALS’, ‘Parents must arrange and provide transportation to camp’, ‘Need to bring personal linens, towels, and items (full packing list provided)’, ‘Limited to families dealing with ALS diagnosis – not a general camp option’, ‘May involve emotional processing related to ALS impact on family’, ‘Some programs have TBD dates for 2025’]

Schedule

Weekend sessions (September 12-14, 2025 currently scheduled)