Q&A: Dermatologists can provide valuable experiences for young patients at Camp Discovery

Since 1993, the American Academy of Dermatology has held a unique weeklong summer camp experience for kids aged 8 to 16 years with chronic skin conditions.

Through dermatologist referral, kids can attend AAD’s Camp Discovery to participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, archery, horseback riding, nature trails and more. All costs, including transportation, are covered by the AAD through donations.

Healio spoke with Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD, about the valuable experience Camp Discovery brings to kids and how dermatologists can help bring that experience to their practice.

Healio: How did Camp Discovery originally come about?

Desai: Camp Discovery was founded in 1993 by then AAD president, Mark V. Dahl, MD, FAAD, and the vision was to really provide children with skin, hair and nail diseases the opportunity to feel like kids in a safe, protected and fun environment. It was recognized that a place was needed for these children to have a sense of belonging, because we know that these conditions have such a psychological impact. This was really a vision, and now has become a flagship program of the AAD.

Healio: What should dermatologists know about Camp Discovery?

Desai: The only way for a child to attend camp is to be referred by an AAD member dermatologist. So, one of the things we want dermatologists to know is that they can refer a child to camp. This is a philanthropic effort that is all expenses paid for the child. It’s a weeklong camp held every summer at different locations with a volunteer staff. It also has AAD member dermatologists who volunteer their time as both medical directors at the camp and also provide for medical needs. On average, there are around 300 children who attend camp each year.

Healio: Why is it important for kids to attend Camp Discovery, and what are you hoping that they learn or experience while they are there?

Desai: I think it’s important for kids to attend Camp Discovery to help them really understand that they are not alone. Having the opportunity to be together for a week in the summer with children who suffer similar chronic diseases can really offer an escape from day-to-day stressors for many of these children. I would say that our goal as the AAD is that every child who attends camp leaves with a sense of happiness and joy about life, about their skin disease and about their future. We have many children who have come back to be camp counselors and camp staff — which is really quite incredible — because of the life-changing experience they had at Camp Discovery.

Healio: Aside from referring their patients, how can dermatologists get involved?

Desai: Dermatologists can refer kids to camp through their own network, as we talked about, but they can also volunteer their time at camp. We have a number of accredited volunteers who share their expertise and spend time with the children to make camp run smoothly. So that’s an opportunity for volunteers and philanthropic involvement. There are also ways that dermatologists can contribute to the AAD to make this a completely financial-free program for children and their family.

Healio: What are your hopes for the future of the program?

Desai: My vision and dream would be that every child with skin, hair and nail diseases could have the opportunity to attend camp. As we continue to spread awareness about camp, I think we can let people know that this is a safe and welcoming place that exists. So, I sincerely hope that Camp Discovery continues to grow each and every year, that our AAD member dermatologists and the public continue to contribute and that, most importantly, this program continues for decades and decades to come.

For more information:

• Please contact Janine Mueller at jmueller@aad.org

References:

• About Camp Discovery. https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/camp-discovery/about-camp-discovery. Accessed Aug. 5, 2024
• Camp Discovery for Kids. https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/camp-discovery. Accessed Aug. 5, 2024.