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Itchy Summers and Empowered Campers: A Guide for Navigating Camp with Atopic Dermatitis

'Good Morning, Everybody,' screamed Kevin, the energetic camp director at Sports & Games, now renamed The FunPlex. 'Good Morning, Kevin,' all the sleepy campers would scream back. I can still hear the echo of dodgeballs bouncing on the hot asphalt and the thick chlorine scent that hit me every time I skipped around what felt like an Olympic-sized pool. On the surface, the camp was every kid's dream: action-packed days filled with games, activities, bonfires, and friends with endless energy. But for me, camp was always a complicated experience. I had a deep love-hate relationship with it. I wanted to enjoy every moment of it without worrying about my skin being covered in the unforgiving rashes. My atopic dermatitis was so severe that it held me back from truly enjoying the experience. Looking back, it felt like no one around me seemed to fully understand how hard it was just to be there, because they didn't. There wasn't a ton of information on this skin condition, so if I didn't know much about it, why could they? While most campers raced toward a portal of freedom, also known as the pool, I hesitated, as chlorine was a personal nightmare. The moment I entered, I felt the sting ripple across my rashes. It wasn't just uncomfortable, it was unbearable, but I didn't want to miss out. The worst part was always after swimming. My body would instantly turn ashy and erupt into rashes with a grayish, purplish hue. Unfortunately, these breakouts didn't fade after a shower or ointment with passing time. They caused itching and burning for weeks on end, turning what should've been a fun game of Marco Polo or a diving competition into another physical and emotional battle. And then there was the heat! Summers in the Mid-Atlantic are famously humid, so the constant contrast between being sweaty from outdoor sports and freezing in air-conditioned rooms made things worse. Sweat would drip into open patches of skin, causing them to inflame and crack. The AC offered no relief. Instead, it dried my skin out even further. I often felt trapped in my own body, silently suffering while trying to keep up appearances. My camp counselors were kind but often overwhelmed. I was often ignored, but it wasn't anyone's fault entirely. There just wasn't enough awareness or training on skin conditions in the '90s. Although this was an isolating experience, I'm grateful for it. It helped me grow into someone who advocates for myself. I like to say I went through those difficult summers so today's kids don't have to. Whether you're a parent, a camper, or a counselor, preparing for camp with eczema doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, awareness, and compassion, kids with atopic dermatitis can have the same joyful, adventurous summer experience as everyone else. And here's how we make sure of that. Choosing the Right Camp For a child with severe atopic dermatitis, it is essential to ensure their medical needs are understood and supported. Look for camps that are willing to accommodate health plans, offer flexible routines, and have staff trained in chronic conditions. A camp that prioritizes inclusivity and communication can make all the difference between a stressful experience and a joyful, empowering summer. Meeting With Camp Counselors and Staff Camp counselors and owners play a key role in creating a safe and supportive space for campers with eczema. It's essential for staff to review the care plans in advance and participate in a training session that covers the basics. This includes learning how to recognize signs of a flare-up, knowing when and how to assist with medications or wet wraps, and understanding which common ingredients or materials to avoid in products or camp gear. A little awareness and flexibility go a long way in preventing unnecessary suffering and making campers feel seen and cared for. Preparation Preparation is key to making camp a safe and enjoyable experience for kids with atopic dermatitis. As a parent, you should work with your child's dermatologist or allergist to create a detailed care plan that outlines medications, triggers like chlorine or sweat, and emergency steps. Share this plan with camp owners, staff, and counselors before the first day to ensure everyone is on the same page. Also, plan to pack a care kit with essentials like fragrance-free moisturizers, prescriptions, cotton clothing, gentle sunscreen, ice packs, and anything your child needs to help them enjoy their camp experience. Lastly, Have a Heartfelt Discussion With Your Child(ren) No one knows your child better than you do. Before camp starts, empower them to speak up about their needs. Simple phrases like, 'My skin is itchy, can I take a break?' or 'I need my cream' can help them take ownership of their condition and get the help they need when they need it. You might have to engage in what bullying from other campers might look like, and how to recognize it, then immediately tell them to contact a staffer, and tell them about anything that might occur, so you can address it properly. Teaching self-advocacy skills before camp builds confidence, strengthens independence, and lays the groundwork for lifelong self-care. When everyone involved – parents, staff, and kids – work together, the itch of eczema doesn't have to stand in the way of adventure. Happy Camping!