It was an absolutely beautiful day to kick-off the 31st annual camp for young burn survivors in Illinois – Camp “I Am Me.” Ironically, 31 campers from across the state and beyond joined us at YMCA Camp Duncan in Ingleside to begin the greatest week of the year! There was tons of enthusiasm as 2022’s camp is the first “back to normal” camp since 2019. With that, this year’s camp theme is “Back to the Future!” Each day, Monday through Friday, we’ll be celebrating the decades (50’s – 90’s) with décor, nostalgia, photo opps and music. While checking in, campers received a large tote bag, homemade blanket, homemade pillowcase, “This is Me” booklet, hygiene kit, water bottle, Rocky Raccoon challenge coin, towel, sun screen and sweatshirt – all before they made it to their cabins to settle in!!!

Events & Activities
Enthusiastic hugs, fantastic music, swim tests, cabin meet & greets, activity sign-up, Father’s Day recognition, cabin time, all camp photograph, all camp campfire, getting ready for an awesome week, and smore’s.
Meals
Spaghetti, breadsticks, veggies, salad bar, and cookies. For the evening snack, ice cream.
Weather
Could not ask for a more beautiful day for the first day of camp!
Big Thank You’s!
To our volunteers who are joining us for the whole week, all the fathers volunteering with us today on their big day (Happy Father’s Day!), our logistics team (Hoffman Estates Firefighters and Alex Cartwright) for running our supplies, Motorola, Chicago FD, Rockford FD, Stephen Clayton, Anthony Rubino, Chief Tracy Kenny, Kathy Pennacchio, Galesburg FD, Bear Hugs of Chicagoland, Promos 911, Culligan of Wheeling, Station House Stitchers, Toy Box Connection, Wauconda FD, Gina & Guy McAndrew, Leopardo Construction, Project Linus, Avita Medical, Elta, 1-800-BoardUp, Jim & Angie Kreher, May Vang, Dave Schury, Illinois Fire Service Administrative Professionals (IFSAP),
To view all of the camp photographs from today, visit the IFSA Facebook page – And if you haven’t already, “Like” us!