INTRODUCTION

No other IFSA program has received greater attention from the fire service, medical community, general public and the media than has the summer camp for burned children. Burn Camp provides the setting for burn survivors to share their common experiences while being able to play and not feel self conscious about their scars. The benefits to the campers -- physical, psychological, and emotional -- have been enough to inspire a long list of eager volunteers and contributors.

A recent IFSA Executive Board decision was unanimously approved to create a name for Burn Camp. Burn Camp will now be referred to as Camp "I Am Me".

This decision was made after a discussion with a young burn survivor at last year's camp. This camper commented that she was uncomfortable walking around with a tee shirt that stated Burn Camp on it. She further explained how one of the nice things about coming to the IFSA camp was being able to just be a kid, not a burn victim. This was the only time that kids like her were able to blend in and forget about the burn injuries.

It is also the intent of the IFSA to allow kids to be kids. It's an opportunity for them to spend time with other children and adults that are just like them. It is always interesting to see the children show up on the first day of camp with their long sleeve shirts and long pants, even though it's 90 degrees in the shade. As the week goes on, you can see the campers wearing shorts, tee shirts, and swimming suits. This is one of the most obvious signs that camp is allowing kids to be just another kid. For one week a year they don't have to worry about people starring or being different.

Well, it took this young camper's comments for us to realize that we were inadvertently placing label on the children that we were working hard to erase. So last year we asked campers to think of a name for camp. We had several of the typical camp names like Camp Friendship, Camp Courage, etc. Molly Schaller, a camper came up with the name "I Am Me." This turned out to be the unanimous decision.

Camp "I Am Me" describes what we want the camp experience to be; a place where children can come and be themselves. Of course it will take many of us several years to get used to saying Camp "I Am Me." We will still have to refer to IFSA Burn Camp for people that won't identify with the new name. When it comes to t-shirts and any other printed materials, it will have the new name.

Now just to clear up some additional information, try and follow this: Camp "I Am Me" will be the new name of the IFSA Burn Camp, which is held at YMCA Camp Duncan. Camp is held during the third week of June each year and Visitor's Day is on the Wednesday of that week.

Special thanks to Speedo, who has generously donated 120 swimsuits to our young burn survivors that attended Camp "I Am Me" 2005.

MISSION

The mission of the IFSA Burn Camp is to provide a safe environment for children who have experienced significant burn injuries. It is our goal to provide a non-judgemental atmosphere in which children have the opportunity to build their self-esteem as they enjoy the varied activities that make up their camp experience.

A special and unforgettable summer camp experience for children and teenagers who have experienced injuries from burns is being offered by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.

Burn Camp provides the setting for burn survivors to share their common experiences while being able to play and not feel self conscious about what others may be thinking of their scars. Burn Camp provides campers with some of the best friends they will ever make. After camp, the children will continue on with their own lives but it will be different - they will have new friends and realize that they are not the only one with a burn injury.

THE ILLINOIS SAFETY ALLIANCE BURN CAMP IS STILL THE ONLY AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION (ACA) ACCREDITED BURN CAMP IN THE UNITED STATES!

WHAT GOOD IS IFSA BURN CAMP ACCREDITATION? ... Accreditation tell parents that the camp has had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond regulations in most states. It provides the parents with evidence that the camp has demonstrated their commitment to health and safety of their children. The American Camping Association standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standard of care for the camp industry. Because accreditation is voluntary, parents know the camp is committed to best practices.

TYPICAL WEEK AT CAMP

Most of us think of camp as a place. We think of nature, a peaceful lake, warm breezes, and campfires. Camp I Am Me is held at YMCA Camp Duncan in Lake County Illinois. YMCA Camp Duncan provides the setting for camp but it is the people who make Camp I Am Me. Burn survivors can sharing their experiences and playing and not be worried about what others may be thinking of their scars with the support of the staff is Camp I Am Me.

YMCA Camp Duncan Fish Lake

YMCA Camp Duncan Fish Lake

There are many typical camp activities for our campers including: swimming, row boating, canoeing, fishing, archery, crafts, climbing tower, high ropes course, teams course, basketball, and volleyball. Two of the most popular activities are four square and horseback riding. Whenever our campers have free time they head for the four square game and challenge both campers and staff. All of our campers choose to go horseback riding. We are able to transport our campers to "Happy Trails" for a trail ride because of the generosity of our sponsors.

A Game Of Four Square

Happy Trails Ride

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Burn Camp staff includes Camp Duncan counselors as well as doctors, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and fire service personnel who volunteer their time at camp. The qualified staff participates in an orientation which is designed to prepare them to deal with the special needs of burn survivors as well as to build a cohesive team. Burn Camp provides a ratio of one counselor for every two campers, this insures for the proper care and safety of the campers. Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities.

COUNSELORS IN TRAINING

Our counselors in training follow a schedule that may be a little different than the rest of the camp at times. They attended a class "Teaching Skill Periods Dos and Don'ts" to prepare them for supervising campers. A local fire department sent an engine to camp, for the counselors in training to learn how they operate and they even had an opportunity to spray water with a hose line. First Aid and CPR are also part of the counselor in training program.

Ever wonder why a camper wants to be a CIT (Counselor-in-Training)? Click here to find out!

Camper Gives Back!

By Sopia Panos, Previous Camper and Burn Camp 2000 Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

I will remember many things about Burn Camp, but I feel that the most memorable experience would be the rewarding feeling that comes with actually getting to work with the children. Having a child trust you and look up to you really changed my view about camp. No longer was I the camper. I was now giving back, and in return I gained many new friendships and memories.

I always thought that Camp was for the campers and for the campers to benefit, yet I have learned that they also give so much to everyone else. Now I am receiving all over again!

ELIGIBILITY

Burn Camp is open to children ages 8-16 who have experienced a burn injury requiring hospitalization in Illinois. Enrollment is subject to medical approval. Click here for a Camper Application.

DO YOU KNOW A BURN SURVIVOR?

If you know of a burn survivor (child between age 8-16) who would benefit from Burn Camp, and would like further information, or have questions about the Burn Camp call (847) 390-0911; or write the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, P.O. Box 911, Mount Prospect, IL 60056; or e-mail us at ifsa@ifsa.org.