"Where we learn the true meaning of strength and courage and where smiles, hugs and laughter, give hope to us all."

http://www.campdiscovery.org/

I'm going to chat a bit about my experiences at Camp Discovery/Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN. I told a couple here on AW, and they recommend that I write a blog about it...to inform possibly parents or teens that want to go to the Camp or send their kids there.

"For young people with chronic skin conditions, Camp Discovery offers a summer camping experience unlike any they’ve had before. Every year, the American Academy of Dermatology sponsors a week of fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, arts and crafts, and just plain fun.


Under the expert care of dermatologists and nurses, Camp Discovery offers campers the opportunity to spend a week among other young people who have similar skin conditions. 3Many of the counselors have skin conditions as well, and can provide support and advice to campers. Fun, friendship, and independence are on the top of everyone’s agenda and everyone shares in the discovery of what it’s like to be included."

I went to Camp for several years. Well past the cut off age. ^^ Mainly because they just couldn't shake me. I loved Camp! I loved meeting with my friends that I saw the previous years. I loved the staff and our counselors, who felt like family! The Camp is located right on the lake and surrounded by Minnesota's trees. It was definitely 'away from it all', if you know what I mean. It's secluded, and felt like we were all just in our own "Camp K" world. It was amazing for those few days out the week when we could go.

When I went, (it's been awhile) my airfare was free to go. There were no fees for Camp K. (I'm not sure if there are now, or not.) They flew me out there, and my meals (breakfast,lunch,and dinner) were all free. During our free period if we wanted snacks, we did have to pay for those. Mainly because it was soda and candy. :) I don't think they wanted to support our sugar-spree. And if you wanted, you could bring extra money and buy Camp hoodies and shirts,hats, and little stuffed animals. It was a lot of fun. I definitely have built up a collection.

During the week we do a numbered of assigned activities to our group. Groups that have been pre-sorted according to age, and usually skin conditions. This is to say they try and create a diverse group, so people can learn about each other. And to not create 'cliques'. Which worked very well. But that's not to say that you won't get paired with someone with AA. I was in the same group with a girl who had AA, and we're still friends. I think they just try their best to make it more comfortable for the kids all around. And it works.

When I was younger, there wasn't any feeling of me thinking 'I'm the only one with AA'. Because if I didn't have a camper in my group with it, my counselor did. So it's very well balanced. You always have someone who knows what you're going through firsthand.

But anyways! Activity-wise, we do a number of things during the week. Everyday at 2(might have changed within the years) we all go down to Waterfront to either swim,water ski,boat,tube,or play on the beach. If you don't want to participate then there are activities in the main hall. Like playing the piano, plugging in your stereo and dancing (the staff will probably join in), or hanging with friends and talking to counselors. I usually go down to Waterfront.

Everyday there's usually a nightly Camp activity. We played a huge game of Capture the Flag with the whole Camp split into two teams. It was a lot of fun. :)

Also once during the week you get to horseback riding, boating for the whole day, tubing for the whole day, fishing, walking/biking for the day. There's so much you get to do. And all the while, feel like you're not pressured or stressed into anything. The environment is so relaxed. It's hard to feel homesick when you feel like you've got a family right there.

I'd definitely recommend this Camp to any children 10-16. It not only broadened my mind to the many skin conditions out there. But I also got a culture shock, of all the diverse people there. It made me become a more accepting and down to earth person. So I'm very glad my Mom pushed me on that plane when I was 10. :D

It would also be amazing if people could donate to the Camp, to help it run. This Camp is so amazing, and the people are genuinely caring. It's rare for such a gift of amazing people to sincerely want to help kids accept themselves. If you can, donate to the Camp. It's beyond an AMAZING cause.

http://www.campdiscovery.org/

(The info cited here is from CampDiscovery.org)

Here is the link to the "Camp Knutson" webpage. (This is the Camp that I went to) http://www.campdiscovery.org/about/knutson.html

Feel free to ask me anything! If you're a parent or a teen wanting to know more! I've got info! Or know someone who does!