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Overview
The journey from burn patient to burn survivor is a long and painful one. It is sustained by hope, conviction and unparalleled courage. Confronting the challenges imposed by a lifetime of pain or disfigurement is just the beginning for most burn survivors. They must also struggle to heal the acute emotional and psychological trauma that can be equally painful and daunting.
The Burn Fund hosts young burn survivors for one week of camp held in July each year. Over six hundred and fifty children between the ages of six to 18 have attended the camp, which is located in the Paradise Valley, just north of Squamish, BC. Doctors, nurses, medical therapists, adult burn survivors and professional fire fighters donate their time as counsellors. Campers are able to express themselves openly… they come from all areas of British Columbia to experience a week of joy, safety and freedom.
Campers and their counsellors participate in group activities such as swimming, hiking, kayaking, rafting, waterskiing, skit night, and arts & crafts. They also receive valuable one-on-one support from junior counsellors - themselves burn survivors - and from their counsellors.
"Burn Camp … makes me realize that it isn't just me who is a burn survivor. There are tons of others who go through what I have gone through. At Burn Camp, you can just be yourself."
Burn Survivor Whitney, age 17
The camp is fully funded by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, thanks to the generous support of BC’s professional fire fighter locals, individuals, corporations and foundations. The Burn Fund covers the camper’s travel and accommodation, and the cost of coordinating and operating the camp. There is no fee for the campers. The cost for each camper to attend is approximately $2,500.
Campers from Saskatchewan also attend BC’s Burn Camp as a partnership with the Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, which pays for the campers from their province.
If you have questions about Burn Camp, please contact us at the Burn Fund office.
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