Camp Discovery bears its name because it represents a journey of self-discovery for children with skin diseases. The camp, founded in 1993 by Dermatologist Dr. Mark Dahl and his wife Arlene, is an annual collaboration of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN.
This unique camp enables children to learn to safely test their limits, meet others who share their experience, and learn from those who have had a different experience — and most importantly, be their own true selves in their own skin.
FUNDED BY DONATIONS
Located on 30 acres of beautiful, wooded land, Camp Knutson’s newly renovated facilities are handicap-accessible and feature stunning views and access to Whitefish and Trout lakes on the Whitefish chain.
Children with diverse skin conditions, including epidermolysis bullosa (EB), alopecia areata, psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, scleroderma, congenital nevus syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, ichthyosis, ectodermal dysplasia, and a myriad of other conditions, attend Camp Discovery. Since the camp’s inception, every camper has been fully funded by generous donations, including airfare and transportation costs. Campers from all over the United States, as well as the world, including Canada, Panama, the Bahamas, and New Zealand have attended Camp Discovery. In 2006 alone, Camp Discovery served 220 campers.
A SENSE OF BELONGING
My sister and I were both counselors at the July 2006 teen camp at Camp Knutson. On the first night of camp — after the campers had disembarked from the long bus ride, joyously greeted old friends, and dropped off their belongings in their cabins — we all gathered in the dining hall, where we sat in a circle. We were asked to introduce ourselves by name and home state, then tell a place where we felt we belonged. Of all the places in the world I have been, with so many beautiful experiences to choose from, only one came to mind clear and unquestioned. This seemed to be the case with each of us. Yet as we went around the circle, child after child stepped forward, saying simply, “This is where I belong.” It was a powerful moment.
These are children who are often teased at school, misunderstood by peers and others. They live with the stigma of skin conditions they cannot hide, and many struggle to come into their own in the face of these challenges. Camp Discovery was truly home for them. Now, after sharing the camp experience with them, I understand the conviction I saw in their hearts that day. Camp Discovery is our home now, too.
These children have something to teach us about disease, humanity, suffering, joy, love, and life. They have a spirit that knows no bounds, an understanding that startles you with its depth, and a soul that is truly eternal. It is their soul that is Camp Discovery.
DAILY LIFE AT CAMP DISCOVERY
Each day at Camp Discovery was an adventure. After Camp Director Rob Larson raised the camp flag early each morning, campers awoke with hope and excitement for the day ahead, busily preparing, talking, and sharing. We all left our cabins and streamed toward the main hall for breakfast, some in large groups talking, others in pairs. The excitement built even at this early hour. Each meal was started with a song and shared family style within cabin groups. Clean-up was a group effort.
Each group then headed to a morning activity. Everyone got a chance to play at the lake waterfront, go horseback riding, tackle an obstacle course, decorate camp T-shirts and make rock necklaces, decipher a scavenger hunt, and even make their best group entry in a mock “Iron Chef” competition, complete with very discriminating food critics.
FOCUS ON FUN, NOT ILLNESS
Dr. Dahl and his original co-founders decided early on not to include specific medical education, counseling or therapy sessions in the day’s plans, “The idea was to have fun. We just basically let the kids have a camp experience. It wasn’t anything heavy — it was just to have a blast.”
Upon the ringing of the bell in the tower, everyone regrouped for lunch, laughing and busily talking as they exchanged tales of the fun things they did that morning. Every afternoon there was time by the waterfront, when the children sat by the lake, went on boat rides, fished, played games, went swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing (a ridiculously popular activity). Many of the children had never been able to do these things before; for some it was their first time going into a lake or ocean.
Camp Discovery was special because it gave many children with dermatologic disorders their first experiences with activities such as canoeing on a pristine lake, riding a horse through a river, camping and enjoying the gifts of nature. These were beautiful and strengthening experiences and memories that will be remembered for life.
Each evening an all-camp activity was planned. The first night we roasted s’mores over a roaring fire and sang songs together, some with very silly lyrics and even sillier dance moves! Other nights we had a Medieval banquet with a king, queen and royal jester telling jokes and riddles. We also had a tailgate party with hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream floats, and activities and games such as camping, canoeing, capture the flag, and a game of “Mission Impossible”, in which teams of “spies” raced to accomplish a series of missions to decode a secret message that revealed the location of the coveted prize.
Camp Discovery’s famous annual talent show was held Thursday night. Dances, songs and poetry were performed. Let me tell you, these children were no wallflowers! One songstress’s message “We are beautiful, no matter what they say . . . . We are beautiful, in every single way.” (from Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”) strongly resonated with the audience. Another group performed Rent’s “Seasons of Love.”
On the last night of camp we celebrated with a banquet and a dance. The campers really looked forward to this event, often getting excited months before camp! Afterward, we had pop and pizza, and watched movies. Many campers (and counselors!) did not go to sleep until very late because we didn’t want camp to end.
SUPPORT FROM COUNSELORS AND PEERS
Counselors, many of whom were previously campers or had a skin condition themselves, grew immeasurably through the Camp Discovery experience, and served as wonderful role models for the children at camp. One camper who had atopic dermatitis told me she thought all the counselors were very “cool.” She said, “I looked at them and thought, “Wow, I want to be able to help people and have that much fun when I am an adult.”
Campers were comforted to see that people with skin conditions such as theirs had grown into happy, hard-working adults, who were working toward their dreams. Counselors provided continuing support and inspiration to one another as well.
AN EMPOWERING EXPERIENCE
I awoke one night to find my 24-year-old co-counselor, whose alopecia areata had left her with patchy scalp hair, shaving her head at the bathroom sink. Another counselor with alopecia areata helped her. Kids and counselors came in and out, some watching quietly, some asking questions, all giving support. The girl explained to me that she and many others with alopecia areata had shaved their heads for the first time while at Camp Discovery. It was a courageous and liberating experience that occurred because of the friendship, support, and atmosphere of strength that permeated the cabins, halls, and grounds of Camp Discovery.
This is just one way Camp Discovery empowered participants to be themselves: It started at camp but extended to their daily lives in the world outside. One camper with alopecia areata explained to me, “Before I came to camp, I always wore a wig. Now, I’m not embarrassed to go outside without it sometimes because I know I’m not the only one without hair out there. I don’t feel alone being myself anymore.”
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Volunteer medical staff at Camp Discovery worked tirelessly to administer daily medications, treat insect bites, scrapes, injuries, illnesses, change bandages, or handle whatever else they may be presented with in the course of another energetic and activity-packed day at camp. They did whatever it took to make sure each child at Camp Discovery was safe and comfortable and able to participate to their fullest in water skiing, horseback riding, games.
One young woman with dystrophic EB needed assistance with the long and meticulous process of bathing, popping her new blisters, and applying fresh bandages each day. Three medical staff, including myself, helped her with this process. Even with all of us helping, it took more than 2 hours to change her bandages each day.
Looking at her, one could almost forget that this tiny, child-like girl was in fact a young adult with dreams and plans just like any of us. In fact, this very bright young woman planned to apply to her favorite school, Williams College, in the fall. She never once complained or became disillusioned; she just directed us in her care and when finished, gave us a heartfelt and direct, “Thank you. I hope you didn’t feel I was bossing you around. I really appreciate your help.” She was fully bandaged, not exhausted, and ready to plunge herself headfirst into the evening games.
I knew I had witnessed a kind of inner strength and composure greater than any that we three grown women in the room had. Hers was a desire to live life — right now, and with not a moment to waste. Her kind of grace struck me in the heart, so that I was the one who felt tiny and humbled when she ran off across the lawn to join the others.
A LIFETiME OF MEMORIES
Many children in America get to play outside with their friends every day. For the children at Camp Discovery, their time at camp represented precious experiences that might not be possible to recreate when they returned home. The children held on to these memories, and the strength and power of the friendships and knowledge they gained, with amazing tenacity. If you asked any of them, they would tell you everything that happened at Camp Discovery last year, and the year before, and the one before that, and all the things they are going to do next year.
They have built relationships that sustained them not only all year, but often for life. I still have contact with some of these special kids. In fact, when I told them I didn’t have a Myspace page, they looked dubious, but agreed to write to me on Friendster instead.
A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
What was beautiful about Camp Discovery can be seen by anyone and everyone present. There was a spirit here, a spirit of love and compassion and understanding, of supporting one another and enjoying one another, that is unlike any I have seen anywhere. It is a group of children and staff so amazing and so inspiring in such a beautiful place that it left each person with heartfelt memories.
Camp Discovery will live in our hearts always, and for one week each year, the flag will be raised, the fire will be lit, and no matter what our disease, we will be alive and fulfilled.
Dr. Dahl, Former president of the AAD and the Founder of Camp Discovery, recognized these same feelings long before I did. He once said “Camp Knutson has been blessed with the magic of transforming kids, counselors and dermatologists. Few who have visited leave without a profound sense of community, caring, and courage. An indelible mark is left on those who attend.”
MEMORIES AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT ENDURE
Though pictures of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and other teen celebrity crushes decorated our cabin walls, I knew our campers held those dearest to them in their hearts.
During our time at camp, we planted a tree next to the dining hall on the main stomping grounds of camp, overlooking the majestic lake. It was to commemorate the lives of those campers who had passed away this year. Many had known these beloved few for years, held them as close friends, knew the hardships of their lives, been at their graduations, weddings, and attended to them even as they had been dying.
As we each placed a shovelful of dirt around the tree, tears of sadness and despair crossed our cheeks. We cried in silence. Some of the campers played a song that one camper had loved. She was a child with dystrophic EB who had been abandoned by her parents as a baby, and left to struggle with her disease and blisters on her own. Her strength was legendary and her heart immense. No one had ever heard her complain, and she always said with conviction that she loved life.
Although it is difficult to imagine her daily hardships, to the campers at Camp Discovery she was one of them, beloved and dear, and she will be missed. We know her spirit was here, sitting under the shade of this tree, watching with a smile on her face as her friends go on playing and laughing, together, if only for this week, in this place that she loved so much.
This camp truly belongs to the hearts and minds of our most precious and vulnerable dermatology patients.
I encourage anyone interested to please learn more about the incredible opportunities and events that occur here and to support this important endeavor in whatever way possible.
Camp Discovery is sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology for children with a variety of skin conditions. The camp is entirely free of cost. Airfare/transportation costs are also paid by the Academy. There are weeklong camps for 10 to 13 year olds and 14 to 16 year olds at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN. There is also a camp for 10 to 13 year olds in Millville, PA. A dermatologist must recommend a child for Camp Discovery by submitting an application at www.CampDiscovery.org. To volunteer for Camp Discovery or to ask any questions, please contact coordinator Janine Mueller, jmueller@aad.org.
Camp Discovery bears its name because it represents a journey of self-discovery for children with skin diseases. The camp, founded in 1993 by Dermatologist Dr. Mark Dahl and his wife Arlene, is an annual collaboration of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN.
This unique camp enables children to learn to safely test their limits, meet others who share their experience, and learn from those who have had a different experience — and most importantly, be their own true selves in their own skin.
FUNDED BY DONATIONS
Located on 30 acres of beautiful, wooded land, Camp Knutson’s newly renovated facilities are handicap-accessible and feature stunning views and access to Whitefish and Trout lakes on the Whitefish chain.
Children with diverse skin conditions, including epidermolysis bullosa (EB), alopecia areata, psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, scleroderma, congenital nevus syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, ichthyosis, ectodermal dysplasia, and a myriad of other conditions, attend Camp Discovery. Since the camp’s inception, every camper has been fully funded by generous donations, including airfare and transportation costs. Campers from all over the United States, as well as the world, including Canada, Panama, the Bahamas, and New Zealand have attended Camp Discovery. In 2006 alone, Camp Discovery served 220 campers.
A SENSE OF BELONGING
My sister and I were both counselors at the July 2006 teen camp at Camp Knutson. On the first night of camp — after the campers had disembarked from the long bus ride, joyously greeted old friends, and dropped off their belongings in their cabins — we all gathered in the dining hall, where we sat in a circle. We were asked to introduce ourselves by name and home state, then tell a place where we felt we belonged. Of all the places in the world I have been, with so many beautiful experiences to choose from, only one came to mind clear and unquestioned. This seemed to be the case with each of us. Yet as we went around the circle, child after child stepped forward, saying simply, “This is where I belong.” It was a powerful moment.
These are children who are often teased at school, misunderstood by peers and others. They live with the stigma of skin conditions they cannot hide, and many struggle to come into their own in the face of these challenges. Camp Discovery was truly home for them. Now, after sharing the camp experience with them, I understand the conviction I saw in their hearts that day. Camp Discovery is our home now, too.
These children have something to teach us about disease, humanity, suffering, joy, love, and life. They have a spirit that knows no bounds, an understanding that startles you with its depth, and a soul that is truly eternal. It is their soul that is Camp Discovery.
DAILY LIFE AT CAMP DISCOVERY
Each day at Camp Discovery was an adventure. After Camp Director Rob Larson raised the camp flag early each morning, campers awoke with hope and excitement for the day ahead, busily preparing, talking, and sharing. We all left our cabins and streamed toward the main hall for breakfast, some in large groups talking, others in pairs. The excitement built even at this early hour. Each meal was started with a song and shared family style within cabin groups. Clean-up was a group effort.
Each group then headed to a morning activity. Everyone got a chance to play at the lake waterfront, go horseback riding, tackle an obstacle course, decorate camp T-shirts and make rock necklaces, decipher a scavenger hunt, and even make their best group entry in a mock “Iron Chef” competition, complete with very discriminating food critics.
FOCUS ON FUN, NOT ILLNESS
Dr. Dahl and his original co-founders decided early on not to include specific medical education, counseling or therapy sessions in the day’s plans, “The idea was to have fun. We just basically let the kids have a camp experience. It wasn’t anything heavy — it was just to have a blast.”
Upon the ringing of the bell in the tower, everyone regrouped for lunch, laughing and busily talking as they exchanged tales of the fun things they did that morning. Every afternoon there was time by the waterfront, when the children sat by the lake, went on boat rides, fished, played games, went swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing (a ridiculously popular activity). Many of the children had never been able to do these things before; for some it was their first time going into a lake or ocean.
Camp Discovery was special because it gave many children with dermatologic disorders their first experiences with activities such as canoeing on a pristine lake, riding a horse through a river, camping and enjoying the gifts of nature. These were beautiful and strengthening experiences and memories that will be remembered for life.
Each evening an all-camp activity was planned. The first night we roasted s’mores over a roaring fire and sang songs together, some with very silly lyrics and even sillier dance moves! Other nights we had a Medieval banquet with a king, queen and royal jester telling jokes and riddles. We also had a tailgate party with hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream floats, and activities and games such as camping, canoeing, capture the flag, and a game of “Mission Impossible”, in which teams of “spies” raced to accomplish a series of missions to decode a secret message that revealed the location of the coveted prize.
Camp Discovery’s famous annual talent show was held Thursday night. Dances, songs and poetry were performed. Let me tell you, these children were no wallflowers! One songstress’s message “We are beautiful, no matter what they say . . . . We are beautiful, in every single way.” (from Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”) strongly resonated with the audience. Another group performed Rent’s “Seasons of Love.”
On the last night of camp we celebrated with a banquet and a dance. The campers really looked forward to this event, often getting excited months before camp! Afterward, we had pop and pizza, and watched movies. Many campers (and counselors!) did not go to sleep until very late because we didn’t want camp to end.
SUPPORT FROM COUNSELORS AND PEERS
Counselors, many of whom were previously campers or had a skin condition themselves, grew immeasurably through the Camp Discovery experience, and served as wonderful role models for the children at camp. One camper who had atopic dermatitis told me she thought all the counselors were very “cool.” She said, “I looked at them and thought, “Wow, I want to be able to help people and have that much fun when I am an adult.”
Campers were comforted to see that people with skin conditions such as theirs had grown into happy, hard-working adults, who were working toward their dreams. Counselors provided continuing support and inspiration to one another as well.
AN EMPOWERING EXPERIENCE
I awoke one night to find my 24-year-old co-counselor, whose alopecia areata had left her with patchy scalp hair, shaving her head at the bathroom sink. Another counselor with alopecia areata helped her. Kids and counselors came in and out, some watching quietly, some asking questions, all giving support. The girl explained to me that she and many others with alopecia areata had shaved their heads for the first time while at Camp Discovery. It was a courageous and liberating experience that occurred because of the friendship, support, and atmosphere of strength that permeated the cabins, halls, and grounds of Camp Discovery.
This is just one way Camp Discovery empowered participants to be themselves: It started at camp but extended to their daily lives in the world outside. One camper with alopecia areata explained to me, “Before I came to camp, I always wore a wig. Now, I’m not embarrassed to go outside without it sometimes because I know I’m not the only one without hair out there. I don’t feel alone being myself anymore.”
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Volunteer medical staff at Camp Discovery worked tirelessly to administer daily medications, treat insect bites, scrapes, injuries, illnesses, change bandages, or handle whatever else they may be presented with in the course of another energetic and activity-packed day at camp. They did whatever it took to make sure each child at Camp Discovery was safe and comfortable and able to participate to their fullest in water skiing, horseback riding, games.
One young woman with dystrophic EB needed assistance with the long and meticulous process of bathing, popping her new blisters, and applying fresh bandages each day. Three medical staff, including myself, helped her with this process. Even with all of us helping, it took more than 2 hours to change her bandages each day.
Looking at her, one could almost forget that this tiny, child-like girl was in fact a young adult with dreams and plans just like any of us. In fact, this very bright young woman planned to apply to her favorite school, Williams College, in the fall. She never once complained or became disillusioned; she just directed us in her care and when finished, gave us a heartfelt and direct, “Thank you. I hope you didn’t feel I was bossing you around. I really appreciate your help.” She was fully bandaged, not exhausted, and ready to plunge herself headfirst into the evening games.
I knew I had witnessed a kind of inner strength and composure greater than any that we three grown women in the room had. Hers was a desire to live life — right now, and with not a moment to waste. Her kind of grace struck me in the heart, so that I was the one who felt tiny and humbled when she ran off across the lawn to join the others.
A LIFETiME OF MEMORIES
Many children in America get to play outside with their friends every day. For the children at Camp Discovery, their time at camp represented precious experiences that might not be possible to recreate when they returned home. The children held on to these memories, and the strength and power of the friendships and knowledge they gained, with amazing tenacity. If you asked any of them, they would tell you everything that happened at Camp Discovery last year, and the year before, and the one before that, and all the things they are going to do next year.
They have built relationships that sustained them not only all year, but often for life. I still have contact with some of these special kids. In fact, when I told them I didn’t have a Myspace page, they looked dubious, but agreed to write to me on Friendster instead.
A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
What was beautiful about Camp Discovery can be seen by anyone and everyone present. There was a spirit here, a spirit of love and compassion and understanding, of supporting one another and enjoying one another, that is unlike any I have seen anywhere. It is a group of children and staff so amazing and so inspiring in such a beautiful place that it left each person with heartfelt memories.
Camp Discovery will live in our hearts always, and for one week each year, the flag will be raised, the fire will be lit, and no matter what our disease, we will be alive and fulfilled.
Dr. Dahl, Former president of the AAD and the Founder of Camp Discovery, recognized these same feelings long before I did. He once said “Camp Knutson has been blessed with the magic of transforming kids, counselors and dermatologists. Few who have visited leave without a profound sense of community, caring, and courage. An indelible mark is left on those who attend.”
MEMORIES AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT ENDURE
Though pictures of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and other teen celebrity crushes decorated our cabin walls, I knew our campers held those dearest to them in their hearts.
During our time at camp, we planted a tree next to the dining hall on the main stomping grounds of camp, overlooking the majestic lake. It was to commemorate the lives of those campers who had passed away this year. Many had known these beloved few for years, held them as close friends, knew the hardships of their lives, been at their graduations, weddings, and attended to them even as they had been dying.
As we each placed a shovelful of dirt around the tree, tears of sadness and despair crossed our cheeks. We cried in silence. Some of the campers played a song that one camper had loved. She was a child with dystrophic EB who had been abandoned by her parents as a baby, and left to struggle with her disease and blisters on her own. Her strength was legendary and her heart immense. No one had ever heard her complain, and she always said with conviction that she loved life.
Although it is difficult to imagine her daily hardships, to the campers at Camp Discovery she was one of them, beloved and dear, and she will be missed. We know her spirit was here, sitting under the shade of this tree, watching with a smile on her face as her friends go on playing and laughing, together, if only for this week, in this place that she loved so much.
This camp truly belongs to the hearts and minds of our most precious and vulnerable dermatology patients.
I encourage anyone interested to please learn more about the incredible opportunities and events that occur here and to support this important endeavor in whatever way possible.
Camp Discovery is sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology for children with a variety of skin conditions. The camp is entirely free of cost. Airfare/transportation costs are also paid by the Academy. There are weeklong camps for 10 to 13 year olds and 14 to 16 year olds at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN. There is also a camp for 10 to 13 year olds in Millville, PA. A dermatologist must recommend a child for Camp Discovery by submitting an application at www.CampDiscovery.org. To volunteer for Camp Discovery or to ask any questions, please contact coordinator Janine Mueller, jmueller@aad.org.
Camp Discovery bears its name because it represents a journey of self-discovery for children with skin diseases. The camp, founded in 1993 by Dermatologist Dr. Mark Dahl and his wife Arlene, is an annual collaboration of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN.
This unique camp enables children to learn to safely test their limits, meet others who share their experience, and learn from those who have had a different experience — and most importantly, be their own true selves in their own skin.
FUNDED BY DONATIONS
Located on 30 acres of beautiful, wooded land, Camp Knutson’s newly renovated facilities are handicap-accessible and feature stunning views and access to Whitefish and Trout lakes on the Whitefish chain.
Children with diverse skin conditions, including epidermolysis bullosa (EB), alopecia areata, psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, scleroderma, congenital nevus syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, ichthyosis, ectodermal dysplasia, and a myriad of other conditions, attend Camp Discovery. Since the camp’s inception, every camper has been fully funded by generous donations, including airfare and transportation costs. Campers from all over the United States, as well as the world, including Canada, Panama, the Bahamas, and New Zealand have attended Camp Discovery. In 2006 alone, Camp Discovery served 220 campers.
A SENSE OF BELONGING
My sister and I were both counselors at the July 2006 teen camp at Camp Knutson. On the first night of camp — after the campers had disembarked from the long bus ride, joyously greeted old friends, and dropped off their belongings in their cabins — we all gathered in the dining hall, where we sat in a circle. We were asked to introduce ourselves by name and home state, then tell a place where we felt we belonged. Of all the places in the world I have been, with so many beautiful experiences to choose from, only one came to mind clear and unquestioned. This seemed to be the case with each of us. Yet as we went around the circle, child after child stepped forward, saying simply, “This is where I belong.” It was a powerful moment.
These are children who are often teased at school, misunderstood by peers and others. They live with the stigma of skin conditions they cannot hide, and many struggle to come into their own in the face of these challenges. Camp Discovery was truly home for them. Now, after sharing the camp experience with them, I understand the conviction I saw in their hearts that day. Camp Discovery is our home now, too.
These children have something to teach us about disease, humanity, suffering, joy, love, and life. They have a spirit that knows no bounds, an understanding that startles you with its depth, and a soul that is truly eternal. It is their soul that is Camp Discovery.
DAILY LIFE AT CAMP DISCOVERY
Each day at Camp Discovery was an adventure. After Camp Director Rob Larson raised the camp flag early each morning, campers awoke with hope and excitement for the day ahead, busily preparing, talking, and sharing. We all left our cabins and streamed toward the main hall for breakfast, some in large groups talking, others in pairs. The excitement built even at this early hour. Each meal was started with a song and shared family style within cabin groups. Clean-up was a group effort.
Each group then headed to a morning activity. Everyone got a chance to play at the lake waterfront, go horseback riding, tackle an obstacle course, decorate camp T-shirts and make rock necklaces, decipher a scavenger hunt, and even make their best group entry in a mock “Iron Chef” competition, complete with very discriminating food critics.
FOCUS ON FUN, NOT ILLNESS
Dr. Dahl and his original co-founders decided early on not to include specific medical education, counseling or therapy sessions in the day’s plans, “The idea was to have fun. We just basically let the kids have a camp experience. It wasn’t anything heavy — it was just to have a blast.”
Upon the ringing of the bell in the tower, everyone regrouped for lunch, laughing and busily talking as they exchanged tales of the fun things they did that morning. Every afternoon there was time by the waterfront, when the children sat by the lake, went on boat rides, fished, played games, went swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing (a ridiculously popular activity). Many of the children had never been able to do these things before; for some it was their first time going into a lake or ocean.
Camp Discovery was special because it gave many children with dermatologic disorders their first experiences with activities such as canoeing on a pristine lake, riding a horse through a river, camping and enjoying the gifts of nature. These were beautiful and strengthening experiences and memories that will be remembered for life.
Each evening an all-camp activity was planned. The first night we roasted s’mores over a roaring fire and sang songs together, some with very silly lyrics and even sillier dance moves! Other nights we had a Medieval banquet with a king, queen and royal jester telling jokes and riddles. We also had a tailgate party with hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream floats, and activities and games such as camping, canoeing, capture the flag, and a game of “Mission Impossible”, in which teams of “spies” raced to accomplish a series of missions to decode a secret message that revealed the location of the coveted prize.
Camp Discovery’s famous annual talent show was held Thursday night. Dances, songs and poetry were performed. Let me tell you, these children were no wallflowers! One songstress’s message “We are beautiful, no matter what they say . . . . We are beautiful, in every single way.” (from Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”) strongly resonated with the audience. Another group performed Rent’s “Seasons of Love.”
On the last night of camp we celebrated with a banquet and a dance. The campers really looked forward to this event, often getting excited months before camp! Afterward, we had pop and pizza, and watched movies. Many campers (and counselors!) did not go to sleep until very late because we didn’t want camp to end.
SUPPORT FROM COUNSELORS AND PEERS
Counselors, many of whom were previously campers or had a skin condition themselves, grew immeasurably through the Camp Discovery experience, and served as wonderful role models for the children at camp. One camper who had atopic dermatitis told me she thought all the counselors were very “cool.” She said, “I looked at them and thought, “Wow, I want to be able to help people and have that much fun when I am an adult.”
Campers were comforted to see that people with skin conditions such as theirs had grown into happy, hard-working adults, who were working toward their dreams. Counselors provided continuing support and inspiration to one another as well.
AN EMPOWERING EXPERIENCE
I awoke one night to find my 24-year-old co-counselor, whose alopecia areata had left her with patchy scalp hair, shaving her head at the bathroom sink. Another counselor with alopecia areata helped her. Kids and counselors came in and out, some watching quietly, some asking questions, all giving support. The girl explained to me that she and many others with alopecia areata had shaved their heads for the first time while at Camp Discovery. It was a courageous and liberating experience that occurred because of the friendship, support, and atmosphere of strength that permeated the cabins, halls, and grounds of Camp Discovery.
This is just one way Camp Discovery empowered participants to be themselves: It started at camp but extended to their daily lives in the world outside. One camper with alopecia areata explained to me, “Before I came to camp, I always wore a wig. Now, I’m not embarrassed to go outside without it sometimes because I know I’m not the only one without hair out there. I don’t feel alone being myself anymore.”
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Volunteer medical staff at Camp Discovery worked tirelessly to administer daily medications, treat insect bites, scrapes, injuries, illnesses, change bandages, or handle whatever else they may be presented with in the course of another energetic and activity-packed day at camp. They did whatever it took to make sure each child at Camp Discovery was safe and comfortable and able to participate to their fullest in water skiing, horseback riding, games.
One young woman with dystrophic EB needed assistance with the long and meticulous process of bathing, popping her new blisters, and applying fresh bandages each day. Three medical staff, including myself, helped her with this process. Even with all of us helping, it took more than 2 hours to change her bandages each day.
Looking at her, one could almost forget that this tiny, child-like girl was in fact a young adult with dreams and plans just like any of us. In fact, this very bright young woman planned to apply to her favorite school, Williams College, in the fall. She never once complained or became disillusioned; she just directed us in her care and when finished, gave us a heartfelt and direct, “Thank you. I hope you didn’t feel I was bossing you around. I really appreciate your help.” She was fully bandaged, not exhausted, and ready to plunge herself headfirst into the evening games.
I knew I had witnessed a kind of inner strength and composure greater than any that we three grown women in the room had. Hers was a desire to live life — right now, and with not a moment to waste. Her kind of grace struck me in the heart, so that I was the one who felt tiny and humbled when she ran off across the lawn to join the others.
A LIFETiME OF MEMORIES
Many children in America get to play outside with their friends every day. For the children at Camp Discovery, their time at camp represented precious experiences that might not be possible to recreate when they returned home. The children held on to these memories, and the strength and power of the friendships and knowledge they gained, with amazing tenacity. If you asked any of them, they would tell you everything that happened at Camp Discovery last year, and the year before, and the one before that, and all the things they are going to do next year.
They have built relationships that sustained them not only all year, but often for life. I still have contact with some of these special kids. In fact, when I told them I didn’t have a Myspace page, they looked dubious, but agreed to write to me on Friendster instead.
A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
What was beautiful about Camp Discovery can be seen by anyone and everyone present. There was a spirit here, a spirit of love and compassion and understanding, of supporting one another and enjoying one another, that is unlike any I have seen anywhere. It is a group of children and staff so amazing and so inspiring in such a beautiful place that it left each person with heartfelt memories.
Camp Discovery will live in our hearts always, and for one week each year, the flag will be raised, the fire will be lit, and no matter what our disease, we will be alive and fulfilled.
Dr. Dahl, Former president of the AAD and the Founder of Camp Discovery, recognized these same feelings long before I did. He once said “Camp Knutson has been blessed with the magic of transforming kids, counselors and dermatologists. Few who have visited leave without a profound sense of community, caring, and courage. An indelible mark is left on those who attend.”
MEMORIES AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT ENDURE
Though pictures of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and other teen celebrity crushes decorated our cabin walls, I knew our campers held those dearest to them in their hearts.
During our time at camp, we planted a tree next to the dining hall on the main stomping grounds of camp, overlooking the majestic lake. It was to commemorate the lives of those campers who had passed away this year. Many had known these beloved few for years, held them as close friends, knew the hardships of their lives, been at their graduations, weddings, and attended to them even as they had been dying.
As we each placed a shovelful of dirt around the tree, tears of sadness and despair crossed our cheeks. We cried in silence. Some of the campers played a song that one camper had loved. She was a child with dystrophic EB who had been abandoned by her parents as a baby, and left to struggle with her disease and blisters on her own. Her strength was legendary and her heart immense. No one had ever heard her complain, and she always said with conviction that she loved life.
Although it is difficult to imagine her daily hardships, to the campers at Camp Discovery she was one of them, beloved and dear, and she will be missed. We know her spirit was here, sitting under the shade of this tree, watching with a smile on her face as her friends go on playing and laughing, together, if only for this week, in this place that she loved so much.
This camp truly belongs to the hearts and minds of our most precious and vulnerable dermatology patients.
I encourage anyone interested to please learn more about the incredible opportunities and events that occur here and to support this important endeavor in whatever way possible.
Camp Discovery is sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology for children with a variety of skin conditions. The camp is entirely free of cost. Airfare/transportation costs are also paid by the Academy. There are weeklong camps for 10 to 13 year olds and 14 to 16 year olds at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN. There is also a camp for 10 to 13 year olds in Millville, PA. A dermatologist must recommend a child for Camp Discovery by submitting an application at www.CampDiscovery.org. To volunteer for Camp Discovery or to ask any questions, please contact coordinator Janine Mueller, jmueller@aad.org.
