A Summer Camp that Changes the Lives of Campers - and their Counselors

I have wanted to volunteer at Camp Dermadillo since I learned about this wonderful program for children with skin diseases when I was a medical student. This year was finally the right time. Being the camp doctor for my cabin of 13-14-year old girls was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As a camp doctor, I also participated in activities with them. The campers, some of whom have very complex and even disfiguring diseases, get a chance to explore ropes courses, ride horses, make crafts, participate in talents shows and so much more! One of my campers’ lives was dramatically impacted at Camp Dermadillo where she had many firsts, including swimming for the first time. It was so heartwarming for me to watch her climb very slowly into the pool and watch her fellow campers coach and encourage her. They stood right by her side the whole time!

The camps offered by the American Academy of Dermatology’s Camp Discovery program really empower these young people. The experience teaches them confidence – to shoot for the stars. And, that their skin condition does not have to hold them back. I feel fortunate to have met all my campers, and I hope to continue volunteering at Camp Dermadillo in future summers.

~ Sara Moghaddam, M.D., Atlantic General Dermatology

(Atlantic General Health System dermatologist Sara Moghaddam, MD, right with her campers at Camp Dermadillo in Burton, TX, summer 2015).