Part 2: Celiac Summers — Gluten Free With Chloe G

IN THIS LESSON

Summer is my favorite season- I’ve learned to not let my dietary restrictions get in the way! But, it definitely takes time, patience, support, and a ton of resources.

Let’s talk summer- ice cream cones, s’mores, barbeques… You might think summer would be a Celiac Disease nightmare, but there are so many amazing products and resources (including Celiac-safe summer camps) available!

First, let’s talk summer camp. I am lucky enough to live in the Bay Area, so I went (starting at the age of 7) to Celiac Camp at Camp Arroyo, hosted by the Taylor Family (now Reflect Kindness) Foundation. Celiac Camp was arguably one of the best experiences of my childhood summers- of having Celiac, for sure.

Celiac Camp at Camp Arroyo was just like normal overnight summer camp (although only a week to ensure enough time is set aside for all the other wonderful camps including: Burn survivors, diabetes, etc), with activities like arts and crafts, archery, a talent show, karaoke, campfires, and more. The only difference at Celiac Camp is that everyone has Celiac Disease, including all the staff and counselors, and all of the delicious food served to us is 100% gluten free, prepared in a safe and clean gluten free kitchen for the week. The community I encountered at Celiac Camp was like no other- I finally was surrounded by people who understood exactly how alienated I had felt for years, how emotional it was to sing happy birthday to each other and actually be able to eat the gluten-free cake rather than just shifting it around on your plate. If you have the opportunity to go to Celiac Camp, that might be my #1 recommendation from throughout my whole journey and entire blog. Not only did I meet some of my best friends there, but I found a community for life.

On another note, let’s talk my top 10 gluten free summer products! This list encompasses mainly gluten free substitutes for common summer foods and treats, and will hopefully make your life in the summer easier and more joyful!

Jolly Llama Ice Cream Cones + Joy GF Sugar Cones!
Kinnikinnick GF s’mores crackers!
Trader joes GF hamburger buns
Schars GF hotdog buns
Tates Bakeshop GF Cookies
Simple Mills Crackers (all flavors!)
Packaged fruit gummies- Motts, Welch’s, Annies!
Plenty of ice cream brands are very clearly labeled GF- Ben and Jerry’s, Talenti, Breyer’s, Häagen Dazs
Calidad/Siete GF Tortilla Chips
Sweet Loren’s Cookies!

And there you have it! Summer can still be a breeze with Celiac Disease :) As always, please feel free to contact me if there’s any specific guidance or advice you are looking for, and make sure to check out Celiac Camp by Reflect Kindness Foundation (linked in the Additional Resources tab below), or, do some research on Celiac Camps near you! :)