Local Firefighters Help Deliver Burn Institute’s Camp in A Box to Young Burn Survivors

Local Firefighters Help Deliver Burn Institute’s Camp in A Box to Young Burn Survivors

Local firefighters will deliver the Burn Institute’s Camp Beyond the Scars “Camp-In-A-Box” to burn-injured children across the county in early July. This is the Burn Institute’s second year of virtual camp, building on the success of last year with new events, virtual recordings, and live camp activities. From July 12-15, campers will meet virtually in the evenings to go over the day’s activities and share with other burn survivors some of their struggles and successes. July 16 will be an in-person day at the park where campers, their siblings, and their families will gather for a fun day of camp activities. Firefighters will grill hotdogs and hamburgers and participate in outdoor games with the campers.

“Due to the traumatic nature of a burn injury, they often have a lifelong impact, both physically and emotionally, on a child. It is important to show them that they are capable of anything they set their minds to and encourage them to embrace their uniqueness,” said Susan Day, Burn Institute Executive Director.

Camp Beyond the Scars is typically a weeklong sleepaway camp for burn-injured children ages 8-17.  As one of the Burn Institute’s longest-running programs, Camp positively impacts the lives of young burn survivors by reinforcing healing, independence, and self-confidence. Participants take part in activities that boost self-esteem and confidence while teaching coping mechanisms, leadership ability, and teambuilding skills. While these qualities are important for all children, they are particularly crucial for our young burn survivors who grow up facing unique challenges. Camp activities are led by volunteer counselors who are off-duty firefighters, medical professionals, educators, and adult burn survivors who uniquely understand the needs of this special population.

Camp Beyond the Scars provides a supportive atmosphere where each child can learn how to cope with the emotional and physical hardships they face as a result of their burn trauma.  The program allows them to interact with other children who have common experiences, so they can better realize that they are not alone in their injury. For many, camp is the first time they can meet another child with scars just like them.

Camp Beyond the Scars offers a circle of support for each child and focuses on providing a safe environment for burn survivors to express themselves and learn how to feel comfortable with their personal burn story. Campers will participate in several support-based activities, including art projects, which provide a therapeutic alternative for kids to express themselves through colors and artistic creativity. 

The Burn Institute provides Camp Beyond the Scars completely free of charge through private donations and support.