Recently, a group of young adult burn survivors aged 18 to 25, joined a group of adult mentors at YMCA Camp Benson in Mount Carroll IL for Camp I Am Me’s third annual Strive to Thrive: Beyond the Burns Young Adult Retreat.
Learning sessions focused on adult topics such as Networking, Bringing Your Dreams to Life, Pivoting and Being of Service as a survivor.
Thank you to Countryside Fire Protection District’s Pub Ed team Casey Stafseth and Isabel Ogurek who led the Life Safety session complete with dummies to teach CPR, the use of AED machines, Stop the Bleed and choking were among the topics covered in this class that required participation from everyone.
Strive also featured a hands-on session about Auto Maintenance and Safety which had Thrivers using a jack to replace a tire, as well as looking at all the components under the hood. Everyone received a refresher on how to stay safe if on the side of a road, as well as simple tips for safety at gas stations and when strangers approach the vehicle.
A session about tools and their uses in the home was also held with information on how to stop a water leak to when not to try to fix an electrical issue.
The team of Holly and Chris Gage from Healing Phoenix Arts worked with the young adults to design and make a beautiful mandala that represented each individual personally and told the story of who they are now. Mandalas were made through a process that included the use of silver clay. As part of the half-day workshop, once created, pieces were fired in a kiln, and then buffed to bring out the glow of each pendant. It was a powerful session in digging deeper.
When everyone wasn’t learning there were campfire conversations, long talks in safe spaces about topics the young adults chose, advice and wisdom shared from mentors, and lots of fun had by all. Participants took advantage of the beautiful location, with the fall colors and warm temps to explore a nearby cave, go tubing, try archery and sling shots, and join in several sessions held outside beneath the sunny skies.
On the final star-filled night, the young adults collaborated on a delicious dinner of burgers and hot dogs grilled over campfires, as well as a homemade pasta salad and roasted/seasoned potatoes. And for dessert … s’mores of course!
It was a fantastic extended weekend of camaraderie, engagement, encouragement, and learning, that hopefully helps the young adults continue to grow forward into their adult lives.
More thank you’ s to the following additional people who volunteered their time to lead the learning sessions or donated to the program:
- AM Schaumburg Rotary
- Janean Dyson/National Fire Sprinkler Association
- Paul Allison/Chicago FD
- Jenny Tzortzos/Camp I Am Me
- Alyssa Noonen/Inferno Clay Works
- Jimmy McCarthy/Foreman Pipefitter