Why Camp Discovery?

Camp Discovery can change lives. Kids befriend other campers with “their skin.” At camp, they may meet someone with their skin condition for the first time. They also meet kids with many other skin conditions, but at Camp Discovery, everyone is celebrated for who they are.

Camp Discovery is special by providing extensive medical support to campers. Dermatologists oversee Camp Discovery, working with dedicated staff and volunteers. Many Camp Discovery doctors are pediatric dermatologists who bring a lifetime of experience to helping kids with chronic skin conditions.

Medical staff are equipped to handle daily medical care regimens and medical emergencies, should they arise. In addition, medical staff are assigned to each cabin of campers to distribute medication, assist with campers’ daily care regimens, and monitor their overall health.

Some of our kids have skin conditions that require relatively little care while they are at camp. Many others have conditions that require more extensive care, such as regular bandage changes. Camp Discovery provides the level of care your child needs, led by our expert dermatologists and medical staff.

Camp Discovery is also special because it pairs campers with counselors, some of whom are former campers with skin conditions themselves. Our counselors provide emotional support, advice, and mentorship to campers. Many return year after year, often forming close bonds with their campers.

Our story

Camp Discovery was founded more than 30 years ago by Dr. Mark Dahl. Dr. Dahl, a doctor at the Mayo Clinic and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, lived on a lake in Minnesota. He began to imagine a summer camp for kids with chronic skin conditions. Dr. Dahl worked passionately to realize his vision, launching the first Camp Discovery in 1993.

“My vision for Camp was to create a special place where kids have a camp experience safely, where they wouldn't be teased or bullied,” Dr. Dahl says. “At camp, they feel like part of a special tribe of children with skin disorders, where each child is valued as a person.”

Since that start, Camp Discovery has grown to serve more kids. Dermatologists have brought Camp Discovery to new locations, including Arizona, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Texas. This growth has been driven by the passion and generosity of doctors, donors, and volunteers.