Living gluten-free as a teenager may feel isolating, especially during years when fitting in matters most. The 2026 Teen Summit from the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) creates a space where gluten-free teens feel understood, supported, and completely at ease.

This five-day, in-person event brings teens together from across the country for connection, confidence-building, and fun—without the constant stress of asking, “Is this gluten-free?”

Meet the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)

The Gluten Intolerance Group is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Through education, advocacy, food safety programs, and community events, GIG helps people navigate gluten-free living with confidence. Since 2018, GIG hosts Teen Summits, giving gluten-free teens what many of them lack: real connections with peers who truly understand their experience

Why the 2026 Teen Summit Is the Biggest Yet

In 2026, GIG takes the Teen Summit to the next level! This year’s event expands into a five-day, overnight experience designed to promote independence, self-confidence, and belonging for teens ages 12–18. By extending the length of the summit, GIG gives teens more time to build friendships, practice real-life skills, and fully unplug from everyday pressures. Teens attend age-specific sessions—ages 12–14 and 15–18—so discussions feel relevant, relatable, and meaningful. Parents drop off their teens knowing they are safe, supervised, and supported every step of the way.

What Teens Experience at the GIG Teen Summit

The Teen Summit blends the best parts of summer camp with the security of a fully gluten-free environment.

Each day includes:

• 100% gluten-free meals shared as a group
• Morning and afternoon sessions by age
• Whole-group activities encouraging teamwork and connection
• Creative camp-style games, including color wars and tie-dye
• Evening campfires, s’mores, desserts, and games
• Plenty of relaxed downtime to bond and make friends

To help teens stay present, staff collect phones at the start of the event. Teens can always access their phones to contact a parent or guardian if needed. 

Inspiring Speakers & Real-Life Skill Building

The 2026 Teen Summit features five engaging speakers who focus on real-world skills gluten-free teens use every day:

• Coral Barajas – Encourages teens to show up confidently and embrace who they are
• Julie St. James – Teaches advocacy skills for school, travel, and everyday life
• Sara Shorey (ages 15–18) – Helps teens prepare for independence and college
• Lexie Can Den Huevel – Leads a hands-on “hackathon” where teens solve real-life challenges together
• Ashby Underwood – Guides a whole-group yoga session connecting mental health, movement, and overall wellness

Speakers deliver sessions that feel like conversations—not lectures—so teens stay engaged and involved.

A Fully Gluten-Free Event with Zero Food Stress

Food safety remains at the heart of the Teen Summit. GIG provides 100% gluten-free meals and accommodates additional dietary needs, so every teen eats safely and comfortably. By removing food anxiety, GIG allows teens to focus on what truly matters: connection, confidence, and fun.

Cost, Scholarships, and Accessibility

GIG works hard to make the Teen Summit accessible to families across the country.

• Cost: $400 per teen
• Scholarships: Available (applications currently open)
• Transportation: Assistance provided for teens traveling without a parent
• Supervision: Trained staff and background-checked volunteers onsite at all times

GIG keeps costs low through fundraising and donations, ensuring more teens can attend without financial stress. Learn more or register here.

Why the GIG Teen Summit Matters

The GIG Teen Summit gives gluten-free teens more than a summer event—it gives them community. Teens leave with new friends, practical skills, and the confidence to advocate for themselves at school, while traveling, and beyond. Most importantly, they leave knowing they are not alone. And for gluten-free teens, this experience can be life-changing!