A Virtual Skin-Model-Building Activity Educates Campers With Chronic Skin Disorders and Their Families

Abstract

P ediatric dermatologic disorders have a profound impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families (Vivar & Kruse, 2018). Patients can experience considerable emotional distress and impaired school performance (Vivar & Kruse, 2018). Self-image may also be impacted because of visible differences in the skin associated with a number of skin conditions, such as port-wine stains and burn scars, creating considerable social burden. In 1993, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) created Camp Discovery to offer children (ages 8-16 years) with chronic skin conditions the opportunity to establish friendships and find acceptance through a fun summer camp experience. Under the supervision of dermatologists and nurses, campers come together every summer at one of the five locations across the country to participate in a weeklong program involving various activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, and arts and crafts (Dahl, 2018). Camp is provided at no cost to families, and current locations include Minnesota, Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Eligibility for camp is determined after referral by the child's respective dermatologist and review by the Camp Discovery medical director (AAD Association, 2022).Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, camp was transformed into a virtual experience in 2020, allowing children to reconnect with old friends and make new ones during a time of social distancing (O'Connell et al., 2021). With the success of the summer virtual camp experience, a virtual Camp Discovery Reunion was hosted by the AAD in Winter 2021. The reunion experience included a skin-model-building