ConnectMed International is excited to be starting Camp Cosmos, a therapeutic family camp retreat in San Diego to address the growing need for support for children afflicted with craniofacial deformities and traumatic injuries and their families.  In partnership with the Rady Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Clinic, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and Children's Craniofacial Association, we will work to build self-esteem through therapeutic activities and promote awareness and information-sharing. A large focus will be on building trust between our camp participants and their Rady’s treatment teams outside of the hospital setting. Most of these children will have several reconstructive surgeries throughout their lives, and we expect this will have lasting effects on their mental health, surgical outcomes, and hospital experience. To date there are no community building activities for this community in San Diego county or surrounding regions. In just a few short weeks of open registion, we are nearly at capasity of our 200 person limit, demonstration the need for this type of event. 

Camp Cosmos will be a one day event that will consist of two parts. The beginning of the day will be an open, free play period for the children who will have access to giant inflatable slides, archery, ropes courses, face painting etc. During this time the parents are also free to play, network and visit information booths. The second half of the day will consist of breakout sessions lead by licensed therapists who will facilitate fun and engaging self-esteem building groups for the children. During this time the parents will be encourgaed to attend their own therapist lead group sessions, which will focus on building support systems and sharing of information.