History of the Michigan Gluten Free Camp

Nicole VanZwoll started this camp a decade ago. Her children live with Celiac Disease, and she realized no safe camp existed for her children. She realized her children must not be the only ones. In connection with a support group, and grants, VanZwoll helped start the Michigan Gluten Free Camp for kids.

The Michigan Gluten Free Camp program started at Camp Manitou-Lin near Grand Rapids. However, as the camp expanded and needs changed, the gluten free camp moved to Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan. With their larger kitchen, they are able to accommodate gluten free needs, year round. We are still working on transitioning from one location to another so please be patient with us as we grow.

Where is the Michigan Gluten Free (Beyond Gluten) Camp?

Beyond Gluten Camp takes place at YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton, Michigan. It is located between Flint and Ann Arbor, just off of US 23. Camp  Copneconic is situated on “700 acres of beautiful, serene property, with a medley of historical and modern facilities.” This includes Lake Copneconic. Learn more about this 100+ year camp on the camp website.

Who Can Attend the Michigan Beyond Gluten Camp?

This camp is open to children entering grades 4 to 11. The original mission of this gluten free camp was to serve kids who are diagnosed with Celiac Disease and other medically necessary gluten related disorders. Non-gf siblings have attended in the past as well, for emotional support.

What Activities do Kids Enjoy at the Beyond Gluten Camp?

Gluten free campers enjoy all the same activities that other kids do. That includes swimming and rope climbing, crafts and games.

Who Cooks the Food at the Michigan Gluten Free Camp?

Camp Copneconic has full time kitchen staff that prepare all meals. Staff use dedicated pots and pans for cooking. For safety reasons, the camp does not allow volunteers in the kitchen. (The camp also hires full time medical staff, so no volunteers are needed for that, either.)

What do Kids Eat at the Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp?

Campers will be served breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack each day at camp. More information about the menu will be available as we get closer to the week of camp.

How is Gluten Free Food Served at Camp?

The tentative plan is that campers attending Beyond Gluten Camp will be served from a separate food line. Our goal is to have enough campers so that children with Celiac can solely be in cabins with other Celiac Kids, and have their own separate seating area.

Which Businesses Support the Michigan Beyond Gluten Camp?

This camp could not exist without the generous donations from many brands. In 2018, food donations totaled almost $3,000. Below is a list of some past sponsors.

Bread – Canyon Bakehouse, BFree Foods, Three Bakers, Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery

Mixes – King Arthur Flour, Better Batter, Namaste, Full Flavor Foods Sauce Mixes, Chebe Grain Free Mixes

Snacks – Enjoy Life Foods, Made Good Foods, Schar, SuperSeedz, Zego Bars, Libre Naturals, , Don’t Go Nuts, Beanfields Chips, The Greater Knead

Treats- Kind Crumbs, Rise Authentic Baking, Katz, Kinnikinnick, Ethel’s Baking Company, Cybele’s Free To Eat Cookies, Free 2 B Foods

Other Ingredients – Hain Celestial, Foods For Living Health Food Store, Ener-G, Golden Platter Chicken Nuggets

What about Kids with Additional Dietary Restrictions?

If your camper follows a special diet, please contact Jacki, the camp Food Service Director at 810-629-1206.

Are Children with Type 1 Diabetes Welcome at the Michigan Gluten Free Camp?

Fantastic question. Technically, anyone is welcome to attend Beyond Gluten camp, However, I would recommend that children with diabetes attend Camp Midicha, which is also held at Camp Copneconic. That program meets at the end of June, with multiple medical staff available. This includes a two level 11,580 square foot health and wellness center. Camp Copneconic has routinely served gluten free meals during that camp program.

What Other Health Camps Does Camp Copneconic Offer?

Camp Copneconic offers many health based partner camps. Specialty camps include camps for Children living with Cancer (Camp Quality of America), Camp Kesem (for children whose parents have cancer), Chron’s and Colitis (Camp Oasis), National Kidney Foundation Summer Camp, and a camp for children with Asthma (Camp Easy Breathers). Camp Copneconic also offers a special day camp, Power Camp, “tailored to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

When is the Michigan Beyond Gluten Camp? How Do I Register?

The dates for Beyond Gluten Camp for 2026 are August 9-14, 2026. Registration is now open. IMPORTANT !!!! When registering, do so for the typical Session 6 week, and then add in “Gluten Free” in the Cabinmate Request spot. This is how gluten free campers can be organized into their own cabins.

How Much Does One Week of Beyond Gluten Camp Cost?

One week of camp is $885.

Do Gluten Free Campers Have Their Own Cabins?

This is a great question. It depends on how many total gluten free kids we have. The camp director shared the following feedback with me.

“It would need to be a minimum of 8 per cabin. If we have 20 total campers that’s wonderful. However, if there’s 10 of each gender and they’re ages are spread out between 4th-12th grade we wouldn’t be able to give them their own cabins. We try to keep our cabins within three years of age/grade of one another.”

As the registrations come in, Camp Copneconic will group campers together by their gender in their closest age groups. The earlier the kids register for Gluten Free camp the better, so they have a better chance of getting them in their own cabins.

Our Family Isn’t Available That Week? Can Our Child Come a Different Week?

The advantage of the Beyond Gluten camp is to allow children with Celiac Disease to meet with other kids like them. However, we understand that schedules don’t always mesh. Camp Copneconic accommodates the needs of gluten free diets year round.

Are Scholarships Available?

Yes, please follow this link on the Camp Copneconic page for more information about scholarships.

What Should My Child Bring to Camp?

Camp Copneconic has an excellent Overnight Camp Parent Packet on their website covering what children should pack. Items campers should NOT bring are cell phones, other electronics, and money. The goal is to help campers “unplug,” connect with others, and enjoy nature. Due to children with add’l allergens, PLEASE do not send food for their cabins.

Who Should I Email for More Information About Camp?

Please know that I, MI Gluten Free Gal/ Margaret Clegg, am not a staff member at Camp Copneconic. My main role is to promote the camp. For additional questions not answered in this post, please contact Camp Copneconic directly. Please use the contact form on their website to ask specific questions about camp. You can also email Justin Goodwin, who is the Senior Program Director for Overnight Camps at Camp Copneconic.

What Gluten Free Dining Options are Available Near Fenton?

For a quick meal, there is a Culver’s and a Jersey Mike’s on Owen Rd, as well as 2941 Street Food. Jacq and Diane’s Juice Box is a dedicated gluten free, soy free and vegan eatery in Holly. Social House in Flint has an EXTENSIVE gluten free menu.

Visit my post on Gluten Free Dining in Ann Arbor for more local ideas. Traveling from out of state? Visit my master list of Michigan Gluten Free Dining Options.

Gluten Free Kids Camps in Other States

Camp Copneconic gladly accepts kids from outside of Michigan, and even from Canada. We’ve had campers from Illinois, Ohio, and even as far away as Mississippi.

However, the Michigan Gluten Free Camp is not the only celiac focused camp in the country. There are many other camp programs, with volunteers and staff who are dedicated to keeping your kid safe.

Below are various links with lists of gluten free camps across the country. (These lists may or may not be up to date.)

Dedicated Gluten Free Camp Weeks

June

• Camp Waypoint – Tulsa, OK
• Roundup River Ranch – (Celiac & GI) Colorado (FREE)
• Camp Tag – (two locations) DAY CAMP (Bring your own food- top 9 free)
• Great Gluten Escape Camp – Gilmore, TX

July

• Celiac Camp- Camp Arroyo – California
• Camp We Can Eat It – Georgia
• Camp R.O.C.K – Maple Lake, MN
• Camp Celiac – Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania

August

• Beyond Gluten Camp – Fenton, MI
• Gluten Intolerance Group Teen Summit (August)
• Camp Blue Spruce – Portland, OR (Top 9 Allergen Free Camp)
• Camp Celiac Strong – Hunt, NY at Camp Cherith
• Farm, Forester Chef Camp – Week 8 Dover, MA

Camps that Can Safely Accommodate Gluten Free Dietary Restrictions

• Lake of the Woods – Decatur, MI
  • Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods does NOT serve any food in our dining hall that may contain peanuts or tree nuts. We have a gluten-free bar at every meal, as well as non-dairy milk options, including soy and rice milk.”
• Camp Emerson – Hinsdale, MA
  • “The kitchen utilizes separate equipment for celiac campers, and chefs are trained in cross-contamination. Registered dietitians are on hand to plan meals and special food allergy brochures can be downloaded from their website.”
• Camp Eagle Hill – Elizaville, NY
  • Separate Gluten Free Kitchen
• Camp IHC – Pennsylvania
  • Separate Prep Space
• Camp Wekeela – Hartford, ME
  • The camp directors have a child who has Celiac Disease. Counselors are trained in proper etiquette and sensitivity training for children who have dietary restrictions. It can be a hard adjustment for children with allergies to go to camp.
• Camp Kanata- Washington State
  • We list each meal with their potential dietary need (including gluten, soy, nuts, etc.) on a large board, and we have a dedicated staff member in the Dining Hall who is specifically assigned to ensure gluten-intolerant campers get their correct meals in a timely manner.
• Find more camps on the Go Dairy Free website

My Gluten-Free Kitchen’s Tips on Sending Your Gluten Free Child to Summer Camp Safely

Camp Address and Contact Information

Camp Copneconic
10407 North Fenton Rd
Fenton, MI 48430
810.629.9622
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Contact Form

Originally written December 2022

The post Michigan Gluten Free Camp (Beyond Gluten Camp) appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Cake Mix + Cookie Mix = Blondies

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” I “created” these gluten free chocolate chip blondies one year at our Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp. We needed an extra dessert to serve, and had limited ingredients. However, we did have one Bob’s Red Mill gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix and one Bob’s Red Mill gluten free Vanilla Cake mix. Blondie thickness lands someplace between a cake and a cookie, right? What’s the worst that can happen? (Technically, lots.)

Let me tell ya, these gluten free chocolate chip blondies were a resounding success! So much so that I now make these every year for camp. Recently, one of our frequent volunteers wanted to make them for a party. So, I decided it was high time I shared with you my “secret” recipe to serve at any large gathering. At camp we double this recipe, but I figure you’re likely not feeding 60 hungry kids and camp counselors. Although, if you have a teenager in the house, it may feel that way!

Are Bob’s Red Mill Mixes Dairy Free?

I hesitate to title these gluten free chocolate chip blondies “dairy free.” These mixes, per the ingredient list, contain no dairy. Even the chocolate chips in the Bob’s Red Mill gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix contain no dairy. However, when dealing with food allergies, it is always important to check for the possibility of cross contact. We often serve many kids who must eat dairy-free at camp. However, most of them are simply lactose intolerant. (We accommodate other food restrictions as well!)

Dairy Free Butter Substitutes

When it comes to dairy free ingredients, I have a few favorites. I really like to use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks for baking. However, in past years we served one girl who not only had to stay away from dairy, but also olive oil and soy. Therefore, we chose to switch to only using organic Spectrum Palm Oil Shortening. It worked PERFECTLY in these gluten free chocolate chip blondies. My other favorites for dairy free baking include Thai Kitchen coconut milk and coconut oil. I find that coconut oil acts a lot like shortening. For what it’s worth, Crisco states that their regular shortening is dairy free.

Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Brands

While the Bob’s Red Mill gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix contains chocolate chips, one can always use more. Because we try to keep our menu at camp as dairy free as possible, I use Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips in our dessert recipes. One bag added to gluten free chocolate chip blondies recipe perfectly pumps up the chocolate level. Other brands of dairy free chocolate chips include Pascha Chocolate and Free 2 B Foods. Check out this list from Go Dairy Free for more brands of dairy free chocolate chips you can use.

Can I Make These with A Different Brand of Mixes?

So below is the recipe for these gluten free chocolate chip blondies. However, truly the recipe is the simple combination of both directions of both mixes.** I have NOT tried this with any other brand. If you choose to try this with mixes from Betty Crocker or Pillsbury, follow the ingredient directions that are on their respective packages.

**Please note that I “reduced” the amount of water in this recipe, because butter can behave differently in baking than shortening. Check out these tips on how to substitute shortening for butter (and vice versa) from The Spruce Eats.

Recipe

Print

Easy Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Blondies

Keyword gluten free blondies

Equipment

• Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate Chips Semi Sweet, 10 oz
• Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips, Baking Chocolate Chips Bundle, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Kosher, Soy Free Allergy Friendly, 6 Bags (10 oz Each)
• Bob’s Red Mill Cookie Mix, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip, 22 oz
• Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Yellow Cake Mix, Gluten Free, 19 Ounce (Pack Of 4)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Palm Oil Shortening or Earth Balance Buttery Sticks
• 4 Eggs
• 1 cups water Add up to 3 extra tbsp water if too thick
• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Vanilla Yellow Cake Mix
• 1 bag Enjoy Life Foods Mini Chocolate Chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two quarter sheet pans (or one half sheet pan) with parchment. 
• In KitchenAid stand mixer, cream palm oil shortening or Earth Balance Buttery sticks. Once smooth and whipped, add eggs. Once fully combined, slowly add 1 cup water until all wet ingredients are incorporated. (You can do this without a stand mixer, but you'll need a large bowl to do so.) 
• Next add dry mixes. Allow machine to stir both until a moist batter is created. If needed, add extra water, one tbsp at a time, up to 3 tbsp. 
• Finally, add bag of Enjoy Life chocolate chips. Mix until chips are fully incorporated. 
• Divide batter evenly between two quarter sheet pans (or two 9×13 pans casserole dishes), or bake in one half sheet pan. Smooth out the top and give the pan a good tap or two (or 5) to evenly distribute batter. 
• Place trays in a 350 degree oven and back for 20-25 minutes. I HIGHLY suggest rotating pans halfway through. 
• Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving. 

Notes

I have NOT tried this with any other brand. If you choose to try this with mixes from Betty Crocker, Pillsbury or King Arthur, please follow the ingredient directions that are on their respective packages.

**This post is NOT sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill. This post does however include Amazon Affiliate Links. Purchases made through those links provide me a small commission. However, this does not influence the cost of your purchases. Thank you for helping to support this website!**

Originally published September 2018

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