Camp Cosmos
Camp Cosmos is ConnectMed’s year-round collection of psychosocial programs designed to support children with craniofacial and other physical differences—and the families who love and care for them. Rooted in San Diego and reaching families across the U.S. and Mexico through virtual programming, Camp Cosmos ensures access to connection and support regardless of location.
Through themed day programs, community excursions, equine-assisted experiences, and Family Support Workshops, Camp Cosmos offers more than a dozen meaningful touchpoints throughout the year. This consistent rhythm of programming allows families to build relationships over time, deepen trust, and return to spaces where they feel understood and welcomed.
Most importantly…Camp Cosmos programs are fun! Every program—no matter the format—is intentionally designed to be engaging, playful, and uplifting, with the simple but powerful goal of allowing kids (and their parents and caregivers) to show up as the happiest, most authentic versions of themselves.
Across all Camp Cosmos programs, we aim to:
* Foster social connection, belonging, and confidence among children and teens
* Empower families to build supportive networks with one another and with their care teams in a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free environment
* Share lived experiences and insights from individuals, caregivers, and advocates within the disability community
* Reduce barriers to mental health conversations and increase access to supportive resources
Together, these experiences create a community where difference is celebrated, families feel seen, and no one has to navigate their journey alone.
See what our President, Executive Director, and one of our families shared during news coverage at our 2025 “Holidays with Camp Cosmos: It’s A Small World”.
Check out our YouTube channel to see other news clips! VISIT NOW
“See what our team and one of our families shared during news coverage at our 2025 “Holidays with Camp Cosmos: It’s A Small World”. Check out our YouTube channel to see other news clips!”
Registration is now closed, but stay tuned for more events coming up in 2026.
Together, these experiences create a community where difference is celebrated, families feel seen, and no one has to navigate their journey alone.”
Check out our news coverage from the December 2023 Holidays with Camp Cosmos event!
TESTIMONIAL
“Madeline loves ConnectMed! Born with Pierre Robin Syndrome she has grown up having to need multiple medical services such as surgeries, doctor appointments, specialists appointments, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc. which has made her feel different. Having a place & events to go to celebrate those differences, especially with other children of Rady’s Craniofacial clinic, has allowed Madeline to instead feel special, and celebrated for her differences and feel part of a supportive community!”
“ConnectMed has been a true blessing for my son Colie and I. Their programs and outings have provided Colie with not only expert medical support but also a community of care and encouragement. We are so grateful for the confidence and joy they have brought into our lives!” – Doni & Colie Potter
“Camp Cosmos was the first community event we have ever found for kids with craniofacial differences. My son had been embarrassed of his scar. He didn’t want people to see it or know about it…After Camp Cosmos he really bloomed. All day at camp he kept saying “Mom, look, he/she has a scar just like mine!” He had so much fun, felt so special and a part of a bigger group…The kids helped each other, nobody pointed at his scar or whispered. For me, it meant a lot to know that I wasn’t alone. The parents who were there had been through what we have. They know what it’s like to sit beside your child’s bed in the hospital, to hardly sleep through recovery and worry about peer judgments and self esteem. We are strong for our kids but it’s traumatic for us too. It was a powerful day for us.”
– Proud Parent
Thrilled to partner with 3 special San Diego restaurants, which have chosen to help bring smiles to kids by partnering with and supporting Camp Cosmos!
Meet our Camp Cosmos Team!
Dr. Amanda Gosman
1) What is your favorite thing about Camp Cosmos?
Learning from each other and laughing together.
2) If you could have ANY super power, what would it be and why?
Change the speed of time so I could slow down the great parts and speed up the not great parts.
3) Who/what inspires you the most in your life?
My patients, definitely!
4) What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
Spending time with my daughter enjoying the outdoors.
Juliet Torykian
1) What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love to spend my free time with my family at the beach or hiking at Torrey Pines Nature Reserve.
2) If you could have ANY super power, what would it be and why?
If I could have any super power it would be the ability to speak any language.
3) Who/what inspires you the most in your life?
The children facing multiple surgeries with bravery, resilience and positivity is a huge source of inspiration.
4) What is your favorite thing about Camp Cosmos?
My favorite thing about Camp Cosmos is seeing the kids celebrate their differences! Camp days are guaranteed to be full of joy and freedom.
Julie Silva
1) What is your favorite thing about Camp Cosmos?
Watching families find one another, build lasting friendships, and realize they’re not alone.
2) If you could have ANY super power, what would it be and why?
I’d be the kindness fairy—making sure every person, child or adult, feels loved, valued, and surrounded by kindness.
3) Who/what inspires you the most in your life?
People who take the time to make someone else feel good!
4) What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
I love walking my dog, spending time with family and friends, and cozying up in bed.
Rita Albert
1) What is your favorite thing about Camp Cosmos?
Of course it has to be hearing when kids say they look forward to it all year! 🙂
2) If you could have ANY super power, what would it be and why?
Shape shifting – so I could see the world from a bunch of different perspectives
3) Who/what inspires you the most in your life?
Ah well not so much one person but a village – my “tribe” of smart, funny, thoughtful women friends!
4) What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?
Either exercise (hike, bike, swim) or sleep, depending on my mood!
A couple of Camp Cosmos kiddos are finalists in our Design Your Own Pizza Contest with Dough Momma! They got behind-the-scenes tours of the pizzeria, then made, baked and tasted their creations!”
