From Courtney's (mom) perspective:

Brenna first attended Camp Discovery in Pennsylvania in 2023, and attended the Minnesota location in 2025. We were thrilled for her to have this opportunity, especially since her (unaffected) brother has been attending overnight camp for years. It is so reassuring to have medical staff on hand to assist in daily care! But they also allow the kids to be as adventurous as possible... Boating, water activities, horseback riding, arts and crafts, dance party, tailgate party, games! Most important: the chance to develop deep friendships. Brenna said every night, all the girls would pile into a small bunk room and talk and play games until the late hours!

She slept 15 hours the night she got home, ate a big biscuits and gravy breakfast, and then said “OK I’m refueled - can I go back to camp now?!"

From Brenna's perspective:

I was interested in going to Camp Discovery because I wanted to meet more people with skin conditions because we all have similar care. Before I went to camp, I was really excited but I was also nervous about the activities and if it would be too hot.

I loved being with others who all needed extra care, and I wasn’t an outlier for having a longer routine to get ready. The evening activities were really fun; there was a theme each night with different stations, with games according to the theme.

The staff really encouraged us to try new activities too - I tried horseback riding, and it was really fun. At the Pennsylvania camp, I tried ziplining and rock wall climbing, and that was a highlight.

I can’t wait to go back to camp next year!

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Neither FIRST, its Board of Directors, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Medical Editors, nor Foundation staff and officials endorse any treatments listed here.  All issues pertaining to the care of patients with ichthyosis should be discussed with a dermatologist experienced in the treatment of their skin disorder.