Camp Liberté – 2015 L’Oréal Award Recipient

 

L’Oréal announces the 2015 Awardees of its International Awards for Social Responsibility in Dermatology

 

L’Oréal announced the winners of its International Awards for Social Responsibility in Dermatology, “Caring to Inspire Skin Confidence” at the 23rd World Congress of Dermatology taking place in Vancouver, Canada.

The Awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate the often unseen efforts and hard work carried out by dermatologists worldwide by rewarding voluntary dermatological initiatives, coming from individuals, associations or hospitals, favoring patient support and care in order to inspire confidence and encourage social inclusion, independently from their medical treatment. People with dermatological conditions may frequently face discrimination and feel socially excluded.

Projects falling into at least one of the three main categories Prevention and Education, Improved Quality of Life and Self-Esteem, Access to Care Coverage and Surgery were accepted.

A total of 118 applications from the five main geographical areas – Africa and Arab States, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America – were received and evaluated by an independent Steering Committee of six worldwide renowned dermatology experts. One winner per region receives a funding to reward the initiative and to help them continue the development of the project.

 

Dr. Danielle Marcoux from Canada
Camp Liberté – Summer camp for children with skin disorders
This one-week summer camp run by volunteer dermatologists and nurses enrolled children aged 7 to 12 with moderate-to-severe skin disorders, as well as their families, to bring them together for support, social interaction and to increase their confidence. All the activities aim to increase patients’ confidence and self-esteem, improve social skills, reduce stigma about their condition and improve adherence to treatment.

See all recipients here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7554651-loreal-announces-2015-awardees/

 

Awards ceremony June 9th 2015 in Vancouver

Reflections on the first Camp Liberté in Western Canada

By Tess Peters, MSc MD

At the end of the camp we did a brief interview with each child. When asked “What was your favourite thing about camp?”, one boy replied “There were other kids that were like me, but just didn’t (have) the same condition as I did.” When he said this, I knew we had been successful in our inaugural year at Camp Liberté West. At a time in life when looking different becomes more and more difficult, they found “sameness”. This experience allowed these children to forget about their skin for a while and see each other as just children who wanted to explore, play and create.

We had five children enrolled for the first year of Camp Liberté West. It was a good thing in a way, a pilot test for this camp experience. The children were ages 10-15 and had conditions such as autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata. We knew them well by the end of the five days at the Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek, Alberta. The entire day was spent with them, participating in activities like white water rafting, hiking, crafts, high ropes and the giant swing, while the dedicated camp counselors led the way.

Participating in these activities was transformative for some. Conquering a fear of heights, or even swimming was important in building confidence. When asked “What goal did you achieve during the camp?”, one adolescent replied “Definitely swimming more and wearing shorts”. The safe and encouraging environment at Camp Liberté West made these goals achievable and gave us insight into the personal challenges many of them face.

What I found most surprising was the self-efficacy and independence by which some of the youngest campers managed their conditions. They were also educated about their respective diagnoses. When asked “What is wrong with your skin?”, with the childhood innocence that allows this type of question, he replied “I can tell you, but you will not understand. Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis.” We were nearby to assist with applying creams, but often they had already done so before we could remind them. They shared in the ritual of topical treatment, which normalized the experience for all.

Camp Liberté West was made possible by the hard work of Dr. Kirk Barber and Sarah Oberholtzer. Many thanks for planning and managing the logistics of Camp Liberté West. Maddy Oberholtzer, Raphaël Claveau and Russell Wong were important members of the volunteer team. Through this experience we have all gained insight into these children’s lives, which has enhanced our understanding of these conditions and will enrich our patient relationships.

 

 

Camp Liberté: A Valuable Experience for Residents

By: Cathryn Sibbald, MD

This summer marked the 7^th consecutive year of Camp Liberte, which took place from July 26 to 31^st at Camp Papillon, just north of Montreal. There was a large team helping throughout the week, including our supervising dermatologist Dre Danielle Marcoux, myself, Marie-Claude Ouelette (4^th year dermatology resident from the University of Laval), Ali Shahbaz, 3^rd year Medical student from Ottawa, 2 nurses (Isabelle Lavoie and Claude Belleville), and 4 other volunteers (Simon Claveau, Raphaël Claveau, Laetitia Amar, and Rémi Fortin).

The camp was attended by 21 children with a wide variety of skin disorders; including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, vascular malformations and alopecia. The group came from all across Canada, from Alberta to Newfoundland, with a mix of both French and English speaking children.

From the moment we arrived, the camp was filled with great enthusiasm and energy. The schedule was packed with lots of fun activities, including canoeing, scavenger hunts, swimming, bonfires and even a talent show! A team of counselors from the camp ran the activities, and the volunteers were able to participate in activities while being present in case of any medical events or questions. A clear highlight of the week was an afternoon at the Arbraska Park where the participants were able to go zip lining as well as climb across balance logs and monkey cables through the trees. Another highlight was a new activity, an educazoo, where children were able to get up close and hold a variety of animals including frogs, lizards, and even a snake!

One of the key roles of the medical team is helping the children apply their topical medications and creams. We worked with each child to ensure they had the right amount of medication in all the right places. It was a true team effort. I don’t think I ever fully appreciated how hard it can be to put on and take off compression stockings! Many of the children gradually took more control of their own application of creams as the week passed by and the results were great! A clear improvement was seen in the skin of many of them, especially those with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

The children weren’t the only ones to benefit from the camp experience. I was reminded of the large impact that a skin disorder can have, as one of the children admitted that they would avoid sports and swimming because of fear of being ridiculed by other children. For many, camp was a great opportunity to share their experiences and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Their “creaming time” also provided an opportunity for them to ask each other about their skin disorders. I was struck by their non-judgmental curiosity, and their insightful explanations to one another about their skin problems, as they understood them. Everyone learned something new.

By the end of the week, it was clear that the group had bonded and great friendships (and future penpals!) had been formed. It was definitely a valuable experience, and I would highly recommend it to fellow residents.

Camp Liberté is growing!

We are delighted to announce that we are looking at an expansion into Western Canada!

Since the 2009 launch of Camp Liberté in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, we have enjoyed many fun summers on Lake St. Pierre and we are looking forward to sharing an exciting camp experience with new friends out West.

We will be updating the website with more details as the planning continues.

We hope you’ll join us on this new adventure!

Questions? Email info@campliberte.ca

Join us this summer!

We’ve got lots of great fun planned again this summer at Camp Liberté and, as always, the more the merrier! Will we see you there?

Important dates for the 2014 camp session:

• Registration forms must be received by April 25, 2014
• Camp runs from Sunday, July 27th through Friday, August 1st

To register

Your child’s dermatologist needs to complete the referral form. Once completed, he or she can send it electronically to info@campliberte.ca, by fax to 866.267.2178 or by mail to 1385 Bank Street, Suite 425, Ottawa, Ontario  K1H 8N4.

Fees

There is absolutely no fee to send your child to Camp Liberté!

As a charitable organization, the Camp Liberté Society exists with the support of the Canadian Dermatology Association and its members as well as other generous donors assumes the costs of campers’ participation and transportation. A selection of applications will be subject to review and approval by the Camp Liberté Society Board members. To learn more about donating to Camp Liberté, click here.

A summer camp like no other

Camp Liberté is an independent, charitable organization run by volunteers. The camp lasts six days and is open to children from across Canada who have moderate to severe skin conditions. It was inspired by a group of dermatologists dedicated to offering children an opportunity to enjoy a summer camp experience.
To read more about our story click here.

Camp Liberté takes place on the grounds of Camp Papillon a 40-acre compound on Lake St Pierre in the Lanaudière region of Quebec. Camp Liberté takes full advantage of the extraordinary skills of Papillon’s expertly trained camp facilitators. Camp Papillon belongs to the Quebec Society for Disabled Children and as such is fully equipped to meet both the recreational fun and special needs of campers.
To read more about this partnership click here.

Make a donation to help send a child to camp

Summer camp is an experience unlike many others but sadly not all children may have the opportunity to go because of they have a health condition that requires costly medications.

Imagine if it was your child who wouldn’t go outside to play because they were too self-conscious or because they were being picked on. Now imagine that same child camp back from camp confident and at ease with themselves. We’re very lucky because we don’t have to imagine it because it happens every year at Camp Liberté!

Thanks to the incredible support of donors, there are no transportation or camp fees for the children who come an spend a fun-filled week with us.

All donations collected by the Canadian Dermatology Association on behalf of the Camp Liberté Society go directly to the costs associated with medical supplies and children’s camp experience. A charitable receipt is issued for all donations over $20.

To learn more about donating to Camp Liberté, click here.

The Difference a Week at Camp Liberté can make….

By: Margaret Miodeuszewski, MD & Claudia J. Posso-De Los Rios, MD

Greetings from Camp Liberté!

Camp Liberté, led by Dr. Danielle Marcoux and supported by the Canadian Dermatology Association, has been running for the past five years. The Camp is situated on Lake St. Pierre in Lanaudière, Québec and is hosted by Camp Papillon dedicated to the Association of Handicapped children of Province of Québec. Camp Liberté’s mission is to allow children, with mild to severe dermatoses, the experience to grow in confidence, make friendships and take part in an outdoor camping experience in a bilingual and supportive environment. All the while, medical staff ensuring medical compliance with topical creams, oral medications and of course, sunscreen!

It was up to the medical staff to ensure compliance with topical and oral medications. There was a significant difference in the skin severity of the campers, most improving drastically by the end of the week. As trainees, we realized the challenges that parents and children must deal with while implementing these treatments every day. It was inspiring to see how the campers interacted and support each other; it was a great demonstration as to how children embrace differences and thrive with this. We also came to understand how to manage treatment preferences, compliance and the right amount of cream for each child. At the end of the week it was evident that not just the campers, but also the staff had a memorable time! We realized the difference a week at Camp Liberté can truly make in everyone.

During these five years, a total of 79 children, 7 specialists, 12 trainees, 3 nurses and 11 volu

nteers have participated in this successful experience. This July/August 2013 a team of 7 medical staff accompanied 19 children to Camp Liberté. The team consisted of 3 Board Certified Dermatologists (Drs. Danielle Marcoux, Janie Bertrand, and Joël Claveau), 2 trainees (Drs. Claudia J. Posso-De Los Rios, clinical fellow – pediatric dermatology at the Hospital for Sick Children from Toronto, and Margaret Mioduszewski, fourth year dermatology resident at the University of Ottawa), 2 nurses (Doris Gagnon and Edith Dallaire-Tremblay), 3 student volunteers (Hanieh Zargham, Raphaël Claveau, Michèle Stanciu), and several Camp Papillon counsellors.

There were 19 campers this year – 1 from Ontario, 3 from Nova Scotia and 15 from Quebec.  The various activities the campers took part in included canoeing, archery, swimming, soccer, body painting, zip-lining, and a dinner gala where all campers prepared a short demonstration of their talent – whether it be singing, dancing or comedic exerts. In addition, children participated in an interactive educational activity related to sun protection, which later proved to enhance learning and compliance with safe sun protection practices.

Looking forward to next year!

If you have any questions, are interested in volunteering or would like to fill out an application for prospective campers aged 7 to 12 years old, please email info@campliberte.ca .

Experience Camp Liberté

By: Reid Vender, Hamilton, Ontario
2012 Camp Volunteer

This summer, for one incredible week, I had the gracious opportunity and pleasure of volunteering at a camp whose essence screams freedom and strength.

As the name suggests, Camp Liberté empowers freedom and strength for children between the ages of seven to eleven years with mild to moderate skin conditions by providing a vacation styled accommodation. Camp Liberté is a team of counselors and medical staff with a shared goal: to provide a safe, fun, and genuine camp experience without the fear of judgement from societal norms, while empowering freedom.

As such, it is located at the stunning, tranquil and inviting Camp Papillon in Lanaudière, seventy kilometers north of Montreal, Quebec.

Six anxious campers were accompanied by me on the airplane from Toronto to Montreal. Some, who were new, were nervous, and some, who were returning, felt ready and excited. I engaged each camper in games and icebreakers to make the traveling experience more fun and less focused on why they were attending. I was able to see past their skin conditions and through to the normal, fun-loving children they are. Returning campers were kind and welcoming to the new campers; even a few friendships were made early on.

Upon venturing into the serene lakeside campsite, we immediately felt a sense of warmth and welcomeness. The preceding drive from the airport was lengthy; however it generated excitement amongst not only the counselors, but the campers as well. I could see the tremendous excitement in the children’ eyes and I began to picture what would be one of the greatest week long experiences of my life and theirs. My first impressions were remarkable to say the least. After organizing the campers into their rooms for the week, I was openheartedly welcomed by my fellow counselors and courteously given a tour of the living area. Shortly after, I was put to work to begin a profound experience. As I continued to engage with the children and my fellow counselors, I sensed a comfort that was similar to which I share with my family and friends.

The first night was when I established where I would fit in with the campers. To my delight, I was extremely pleased that they saw me as an outgoing, non-judgmental and compassionate counselor. Every individual, counselor or camper, shared sincere respect with each other. Similarly, to retain Camp Liberté’s value of freedom and strength, campers with mild skin conditions were treated equal to campers with more extensive skin conditions. In my mind, this allowed each camper to take away with them the same positive experience. Campers even spoke to each other about their skin conditions to suggest methods to control it, and handle themselves better. Each camper and counselors’ willingness to accept new situations is the reason I feel more open-minded after my Camp Liberté experience. Moreover, the campers now have a more uplifted outlook in life and realize they were not alone in the skin conditions they suffer from.

The responsibility given to me while volunteering at Camp Liberté was of an ideal amount. I undertook and overcame many new challenges in leadership and responsibility. The work was occupying, however far from exhaustive. I unfailingly felt I had more energy to begin each new day, and so each day became more amusing than the previous. It was gratifying to see the smiles on each camper’s face when they accomplished something new, and even more when they sought my advice, help, or guidance for certain activities. Likewise, I believe when the campers felt a sense of accomplishment, the confidence of the Camp Liberté team grew.

Nearing the end of the week I planned and initiated a science activity with the campers. The task was to build an elastic band vehicle with wheels, axles, and a chassis. The instructions I gave were simple for a purpose. It was important to let the creativity flow in each camper. The aim was to discover naturally which techniques, extra supplies, and knowledge were needed to build a more successful vehicle. It was very pleasing to see a camper’s hand fly up in the air to eagerly ask if they should perhaps make a sturdier wheel or more lightweight chassis. These opportunities for the campers to be creative and think deeply allowed them to forget about their skin conditions, and just enjoy some fun as normal children. Fortunately, the campers learned quite a lot in the activity, and my teaching skills were tested and improved. I am tremendously appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to be included in the activity planning process for the campers as I developed many new skills, and so did they.

Reflecting, Camp Liberté was a profound experience that taught there is extraordinary value in perseverance and commitment. Not only did I earn valuable life skills that I will habitually apply, I also learned the merit in sharing these skills with others in the future. I admire that these lucky campers were given the opportunity to realize they are not alone with their skin condition, and were

given a setting to discover, play, laugh, and grow as children. Camp Liberté should be tremendously proud for the quality, strength, and freedom of their camp, and for intuitively conveying an unrivaled message to each of its campers: there is always hope.

* Article was previously published in the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Bulletin, October 2012.