First time was unforgettable

Medical student Christine Li loved volunteering at Camp Discovery for the first time.

Christine’s story

I learned about Camp Discovery through working with AAD member Karen Wiss, MD, FAAD, a dedicated and inspiring pediatric dermatologist, in the UMass Epidermolysis Bullosa clinic. This summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp for the first time, which was an unforgettable experience!

I was a counselor (“camp mom”) for the younger girls’ cabin at Camp Discovery in Massachusetts, and from the moment I met my campers, I could tell camp was special. Return campers gushed about their favorite moments from past summers and excitement at seeing old and new faces.

First-time campers arrived a little unsure at first, but quickly found themselves at home. For instance, one camper with giant congenital melanocytic nevi with satellites was quite shy at the start of the week, but by day three, she was leading the cabin in the counselor scavenger hunt and quipping about how her “favorite cookies are chocolate chip like me!” Watching those transformations emphasized the magical ability of camp to create a space where kids could feel free to let their personalities shine.

Every day was packed with fun activities, like tennis or arts and crafts, but what really made camp special was the camaraderie and sense of unity that developed in our cabin. When a camper was homesick or not feeling well, it was heartwarming to see other campers immediately rally around her and cheer her on.

A highlight for me was encouraging my campers to build the confidence to try new activities, such as swimming in the lake or trying the ropes course. Another memorable moment was when my campers decided to bring our nightly ritual of singing “Stick Season” as a cabin to the talent show.

I am deeply grateful to the campers and staff who did “whatever it takes” to make Camp Discovery a one-of-a-kind experience, and to the AAD for making the week free for both campers and volunteers. As a medical student interested in pediatric dermatology, Camp Discovery was a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the daily impact of skin disease and interact with kids in a fun, nonclinical environment.

At the end of the week, I felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment and had learned so much about resilience, acceptance, and the power of community. On the last day, many campers voiced to me, “I’m not ready to leave.” Hearing those words hit me – Camp Discovery isn’t just a fun getaway; it’s a place where kids can feel understood and seen. Being a part of that, even in a small way, is something I’ll carry with me forever.