Written by: Zobiana Dillsworth
To support children with varying skin conditions, The American Academy of Dermatology Association hosts Camp Discovery. There are several weekly sessions of Camp Discovery across the United States, giving many opportunities to attend. The following list is the schedule for Camp Discovery in 2023:
● July 23-28: Crosslake, Minnesota; age group: 13-16 years
● July 30-August 4: Crosslake, Minnesota; age group: 8-13 years
● August 6-11: Burton, Texas; age group: 8-16 years
● August 6-11: Hebron, Connecticut; age group: 8-16 years
● August 12-18: Millville, Pennsylvania: age group: 8-16 years
The Crosslake, Minnesota weeks will take place at Camp Knutson. The most popular activities at this location are water-related due to the close proximity to a beach. Campers have the opportunity to go fishing, swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. If a child does not want to participate in a specific activity, they have the option to go with a separate group for a separate activity. While water activities can be fun, it is not the preferred activity for everyone. Campers can play in the sand or participate in sports. Sports available at Camp Knutson include basketball, frisbee golf, pickleball, archery, biking, horseback riding, and water wars. Campers can also go to the Arts or Nature centers. A campfire is also available.
Burton, Texas is one of the next locations for Camp Discovery. This camp will be located in Washington County at Camp for All. With an available area of 206 acres, there are many available activities. There are two lakes as well as an open pool (with lifeguards). Cast fishing may be taught at the lakes. There are also opportunities for archery, spa days, horseback riding, and gold panning. Campers also have access to several challenge courses: low ropes, high ropes, a climbing tower, giant swings, climbing walls, and ziplining. There is a Nature Center and small animal farm that campers can visit and learn about different areas. Campers also have access to a field, where they can play soccer or kickball. Other sports include disc golf, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Additionally, campers have the option to hang out in the Camp For All Tree House.
Hebron, Connecticut’s week of Camp Discovery occurs at the same time as Burton, Texas. This camp is located at Camp Hemlocks, near Hartford. This area has 100 acres and a pond! Some activities here include talent shows and campfires! There is a heated, indoor pool for access to swimming, while boating and fishing are available for less direct water activity. A challenge course and climbing tower are available to campers, too. Additionally, campers can go on nature walks or participate in archery.
Millville, Pennsylvania is the last week of Camp Discovery. This 130 acre area is known as Camp Victory. There are twelve cabins and areas for camping outside. Campers also have access to two dining halls and a bathhouse. While here, campers can swim in the pool or fish in the pond. There is a challenge course full of activities for everyone: low ropes, rock-climbing wall, and zipline. Campers can go paddle boating or biking. There are areas for archery and campfires. Campers can also visit the treehouse, nature center, and outdoor amphitheater.
Children are not able to directly apply to Camp Discovery. A child’s dermatologist must refer them to the camp. Once a referral has been made, the child has to be accepted by Camp Discovery’s medical director. Once a child is approved, there is no fee for them or their families. Camp Discovery is funded by outside donations, which pay for all costs of the camp. While at the camp, campers will be taken care of by dermatologists, pediatricians, physician assistants, and nurses. These staff members are professionally trained to help the campers with their medical needs and daily regimes. There are also volunteering counselors that help the campers. These counselors often have their own skin conditions, providing them insight into what a child is feeling. Each counselor will sleep in a cabin with campers, arranged based on age, sex, and healthcare needs.
Approved campers preparing to go to Camp Discovery should label all of their belongings prior to getting to the camp. Campers should pack the following items:
● Medications (in original containers)
● Wide-brimmed hat
● Swimsuit
● Beach towel
● Water shoes/sandals
● Tennis shoes
● Bug spray
● Tennis shoes
● Plastic bags
● 3-4 pairs of shorts
● 4-5 T-shirts
● 1 long-sleeved shirt
● 2 pairs of jeans/long pants
● Sport-themed clothing
● Rain jacket/windbreaker
● 1-2 sweatshirts
● Toiletries
● Bath towel/washcloth
● Socks
● Undergarments
● Pillow
● Sleeping bag OR twin bed sheets and blanket
● Pajamas
Campers should not bring candy, gum, money, or valuables. Phones will be taken and stored away during camp.
Anyone interested in supporting Camp Discovery can donate directly to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Donations cover the cost of transportation and the camp itself for children. If you cannot donate directly, you can reach out to AAD to host a fundraising event. Medical staff, especially dermatologists and nurses, can volunteer their time to one of the weeks of Camp Discovery. Others can apply to be counselors.
Overall, Camp Discovery is a wonderful opportunity to be yourself and be surrounded by people who embrace you for who you are. It is a place where you can make wonderful memories with individuals who are all bonded by the commonality of dealing with a skin condition.
Image Source: American Academy of Dermatology
References:
“About Camp Discovery.” American Academy of Dermatology, N.d., https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/camp-discovery/about-camp-discovery.
“Activities | Camp Knutson.” Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, N.d., https://www.lssmn.org/campknutson/camps/activities.
“Camp Activities.” Camp For All, 8 July 2019, https://www.campforall.org/camp-info/camp-activities/.
“Easterseals of Oak Hill | Camp Hemlocks.” Easterseals, N.d., https://www.easterseals.com/oakhill/our-programs/camp-hemlocks/camp-hemlocks.html.
“What to pack for camp.” American Academy of Dermatology, N.d., https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/camp-discovery/what-to-pack.
Disclaimer: This organization's content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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