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Ashley and one
of the volunteer Dermatologist have a hair raising ride on the biscuit
Humphrey's
story
For
young people with a serious skin condition, Camp Discovery offers
a summer camping experience unlike any they've had before. In late
July this year, I returned to Camp Discovery at Cross Lake, Minnesota
as a volunteer camp counsellor. This was to be the third time I
attended the camp, my first time in 1996 when I was 14 years old.
The camp is an annual retreat organised by the American Academy
of Dermatology and staffed by volunteers who are medical students,
dermatologists and others with severe skin conditions. Every year,
a week of fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, arts and crafts,
and just plain fun is sponsored by the Academy. Joining me on this
trip was fellow Kiwi; Ashley Worthy aged 15 from Waipu attending
his very first camp.
Under the expert care of dermatologists and nurses, for Ashley,
it was the first time he was able to mix and mingle with people
his own age with similar skin conditions. Many of the counselors
have serious skin conditions as well, and can provide support and
advice to campers.
Fun, friendship, and independence are on the top of everyone's list.
And, everyone shares in the discovery of what it's like to be included.
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