Dear Jimothy,
I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately.
Some people noticed your unique appearance before they noticed you. They stared. They pointed. They shared photos. They wondered what happened. While many meant no harm, we imagine it must feel exhausting to have everyone focus on what makes you look different instead of who you are.
At Camp I Am Me, we know that feeling all too well.
Every summer, children who have survived burn injuries arrive at camp carrying many of the same worries. They wonder if people will stare. They wonder if they’ll have to explain their scars. They wonder if they’ll fit in, make friends, or simply be accepted for who they are.
And then something remarkable happens. For one unforgettable week, those worries begin to disappear.
Camp I Am Me’s Summer Camp is a place where differences don’t need explaining. Scars aren’t unusual. Questions are replaced with understanding. Campers discover that they’re surrounded by others who truly “get it” and friends who have walked similar paths, faced similar challenges, and understand that healing isn’t just physical.
It’s emotional.
It’s social.
It’s realizing you’re never alone.
Jimothy, if you ever wandered into camp, we don’t think anyone would stop to ask why you look different. Someone would simply invite you to join the next game. They’d save you a seat at the campfire. They’d cheer you on during activities. They’d remind you that you belong exactly as you are. Because that’s what Camp I Am Me has always been.
A place where acceptance comes naturally.
A place where friendships last a lifetime.
A place where healing happens together.
While this invitation is written with a smile, the message behind it is very real.
Every child deserves a place where they don’t have to hide what makes them different. Every burn survivor deserves the chance to build confidence, create lasting memories, and discover that their story is one of strength, not limitation.
Jimothy, whether you’re a raccoon, a camper, or anyone who has ever felt different, know this: There will always be a place for you around our campfire.
With open hearts,
Camp I Am Me’s Rocky Raccoon