Academy Community 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 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.

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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 profession of dermatology. 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 finding melanomas in their earliest, most treatable stage.

Volunteer efforts by Academy members has allowed the program to screen more than 1.7 million people and detect more than 171,200 suspicious lesions, including approximately 20,000 suspected melanomas.

The Academy provides all program materials, including a comprehensive guideline book, screening forms, posters, pamphlets and bookmarks, 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 and 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 community-based, non-profit organizations for permanent shade structures over outdoor locations which 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 sponsored 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.

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For more information about the Academy's Shade Structure Grant Program, e-mail Jennifer Allyn.