Academy Community Programs
Programs
Camp Discovery
Founded in 1993, Camp Discovery is for young people with serious skin conditions and offers a summer camping experience unlike any they've ever had. Each year since 1993, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) sponsors a week of fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing, arts and crafts, and just plain fun for these children.
Under the expert care of volunteer dermatologists and nurses, Camp discovery offers young people the opportunity to spend a week with other campers who have similar skin conditions. Many of the counselors have serious skin conditions as well, and can provide support and advice to campers.
There is no fee for the camp. Full scholarships, including transportation, are provided by the Academy through generous donations from its members and other organizations. Members of the Academy are asked to recommend patients for Camp Discovery.
Related Links
- Camp Discovery Web Site
- In addition to volunteering your time, you can send a kid to camp by making a donation to the Camp Discovery Endowment or by purchasing greeting cards.
Indoor Tanning is Out® Online Public Education Tool Kit
The American Academy of Dermatology is committed to educating young women about the dangers of indoor tanning. Research shows that on an average day in the United States, more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons, primarily girls and women. Academy members are encouraged to contact sororities on the nearest college campus to spread this important health message. To help accomplish this goal, the Academy provides online resources for members to reach college-aged women, including a sample invitation letter to sororities and a presentation.
Related Links
Skin Cancer Screening Program
The American Academy of Dermatology's National Skin Cancer Screening Program was created in 1985. Since that time it has brought attention to the dermatology profession. It has educated millions of people about the importance of sun protection and early cancer detection, and, most important, it has directly saved lives by helping patients find melanomas in their earliest, most treatable stage.
Volunteer efforts by Academy members have allowed the program to screen more than 1.7 million people and detect more than 171,200 suspicious lesions, including about 20,000 suspected melanomas.
The Academy provides all program materials, including a comprehensive guideline book, screening forms, posters, pamphlets, and bookmarks, which are free to all volunteer members who conduct free skin cancer screenings. Learn more about conducting a free skin cancer screening in your area.
Academy Shade Structure Grants
The American Academy of Dermatology's Shade Structure Program promotes the importance of shade in a comprehensive sun-protection program. It encourages members to build and strengthen relationships in their communities while reinforcing the importance of protecting the skin when outdoors.
The grant program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations for permanent shade structures over outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, eating areas, and other locations.
Academy members play an integral role in the success of the program by actively working with local organizations to apply for the grants. All applications must be sponsored by an Academy member who writes a letter of support. If the organization they sponsor is selected as a grant winner, the supporting member is invited to participate in the dedication ceremony of the new structure and share the Academy's sun safety messages with the community.
