A Summer Camp for Kids with Eczema: Sawyer’s Experience

For 12-year-old Sawyer Sullivan, 2021 was a summer of firsts. First time on an airplane by himself.  First time away from home. First sleepover with other kids. First dance. Like many children with hard to manage eczema, his skin care and allergies make a lot of activities that other kids take for granted impossible.

Thanks to Camp Wonder, a unique week-long camp for children 6-16 with severe skin diseases, Sawyer was able to have a summer camp experience. “I heard about Camp Wonder a while ago through Instagram,” says Heather, Sawyer’s mom. “Finally, this year we applied, and Sawyer was accepted.” The camp is free and it even pays for airfare to get there from anywhere in the US. Camp Wonder is in Walnut Creek California, a short flight for Sawyer who lives in Washington state.

The fact that the camp has some 40 doctor and nurse volunteers meant Heather could relax knowing that Sawyer could get the care he needed. And, because Sawyer had more food allergies than almost any other camper, knowing staff would work around them brought her peace of mind.

The camp packs a lot of activities into just one week. Sawyer’s favorite? “Swimming and winning a $100 prize in one of the events.” But there were also arts and crafts, a zip line, sports, horseback riding, a talent show and Prom Night. Kids get to decide how much they will participate. Sawyer, who’s hidden talent is break dancing, was not comfortable sharing it at the talent show, but he really enjoyed horseback riding.

Parents can’t visit their child to give them an independent experience. Sawyer’s cabin had 6 boys who he got to know well over the week. But, there were also 4 adult volunteers in the cabin. “I was hoping we would have a little more time without adults,” says Sawyer, a very independent guy. Still, he recognized that so many volunteers made the camp possible.

“I was surprised how organized it all was,” says Heather. “Someone from the camp met him at the airport. They even provided snacks designed around his allergies for the plane flight.” The camp provided regular updates through Instagram, Facebook, and You Tube videos of events like the talent show. “We were able to see Sawyer in his first suit, ready for the prom. We felt as if we shared his experiences.”

After an eventful summer, Sawyer starts 7th grade in a couple of weeks. Asked what he likes to do most in his free time, Sawyer gave a rueful smile and glanced at his mom. “Video games,” he said.  

Like every other 12-year-old boy on the planet.