Galderma is entering its tenth year of partnership with Camp Wonder, the special summer camp where children with serious skin issues get to safely enjoy activities like swimming, horseback riding and all the fellowship that comes with being a camper.

Camp Wonder was created by Francesca Tenconi, founder of the Children's Skin Disease Foundation (CSDF). Diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus at age 11, she sought to create a safe space for children dealing with severe skin conditions, giving these kids an opportunity to attend summer camp when they may not have been able to otherwise given the medical needs associated with their diagnoses.

CSDF runs the medically-staffed summer camp program, which is designed for children 7 to 16 with serious skin diseases.

To date, Galderma has donated more than $1.7 million and approximately 50,000 Cetaphil products to the Camp Wonder infirmary.

In addition, the skin health and dermatology company’s staff are on the ground annually with company volunteers, too.

“Over the past decade our partnership has evolved from product donations to financial support, and since 2013, Galderma volunteers have even served as camp counselors in person. It’s a coveted opportunity where our employees apply to be selected, and it’s something our team members look forward to annually. Our relationship has only gotten stronger, and we’re committed to continuing our support of this incredible organization for many years to come,” Lisa Morris, general manager of the US Consumer Business Unit, Galderma, told Happi in an interview ahead of this year’s camp session.

Since its inception, more than 2,000 children have benefited from the Camp Wonder experience.

Previously held in California, Camp Wonder will take place July 2-8, 2022 at a new facility near Atlanta, GA. Campers will be able to participate in traditional summer camp activities including horseback riding, arts and crafts, and even going to prom.

“Camp Wonder allows these kids to forget about being ‘patients’ and simply be kids. It’s a week where they can escape the physical and mental challenges that come with skin disease and truly be themselves,” Morris said.



“Diseases like vitiligo, pemphigoid, Epidermolysis Bullosa, ichthyosis, ectodermal dysplasia and Gorlin Syndrome may not be well known, but they can severely impact a child's everyday life. Camp Wonder allows these kids to forget about being 'patients' and simply be kids, giving them a week where they can escape the physical and mental challenges that come with skin disease and truly be themselves,” said Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, board-certified dermatologist and Cetaphil partner. 

Cetaphil is a leading consumer skin health brand manufactured by Galderma.

Financial Help

Many families affected by skin disease face heavy financial burdens, and donations difference in ensuring that Camp Wonder is free for each and every child who attends.

This year, with the move to the East Coast, local campers from California who previously drove to the camp will be flown to Atlanta, according to CSDF.

“Galderma plays a crucial role in the success of Camp Wonder and our ability to offer as many children as possible this experience. They're such a unique partner in that they truly embody our organization's mission, and we've worked hand-in-hand to raise awareness of skin diseases that so often go undiscussed,” said Tenconi. “So many families affected by skin disease face heavy financial burdens so fundraising dollars truly make all the difference. Camp, including travel, is free for each and every child who attends, thanks in large part to donations from companies like Galderma.”

In October, Galderma will sponsor the annual Wonder Run, a 5K race. The course is near Galderma’s new headquarters and 100% of the registration fees and donations go directly toward CSDF and Camp Wonder.

Boots on the Ground

This year, five Galderma staffers who will be acting as camp counselor volunteers, according Morris, who will be at the camp as well.

“Since assuming this role at Galderma I’ve heard countless first-hand accounts from our employees who have had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp Wonder. Time and time again I hear what a truly incredible experience it is and how inspiring these kids are, and they often cite how rewarding it is to see our Cetaphil sensitive skincare products making a difference in the lives of these children who suffer from skin diseases. This will be my first year visiting Camp, and I truly cannot wait to witness this incredible program,” she told Happi.



This year alone. Galderma is donating $100,000 and more than 5,000 products to the cause, which it sees as a true connection to its mission.

“The mission of CSDF, to improve the lives of children living with chronic and life-threatening skin diseases, is an organic extension to the Galderma mission—to advance dermatology for every skin story… It is important to the Galderma family to find partnerships that we can fully commit to and grow,” Morris said.

“What started as a request from CSDF to donate products 10 years ago has grown into an authentic relationship where people across Galderma are invested in this as ‘their’ cause – it gets under your skin, so to speak, and we are honored to play a role in positively impacting so many lives through Camp Wonder,” she concluded.