Registration now open for '29th Annual Burn Camp for Injured Youth' in East Troy
EAST TROY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation (PFFWCF) has announced that registration is open for their 29th annual Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth, a free camp experience offered August 13-19 at Camp Timber-lee just outside of East Troy, Wisconsin. All young burn survivors ages three to 21 are encouraged to register.
Often referred to simply as Burn Camp, the experience provides remarkable continuation of care for kids with life-changing burn injuries by promoting healing, connecting with others facing similar challenges and giving campers tools to navigate life beyond their injuries. Campers are encouraged to share their stories, experiences, and emotions in a safe and fun environment. For some campers, it’s the first-time they’ve been in a place with others like them and they can feel comfortable knowing they’re not alone with their injuries.
This year’s camp theme is “Be A STAR in Life.” During the week campers and staff will participate in activities such as acting lessons, magic shows, photography & videography classes and a red-carpet gala on the final night of camp. Melissa Kersten, an advanced practice nurse practitioner at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee who serves as Camp Director, expands on the theme. “STAR is also an acronym that will guide this year’s camp experience, with a focus on events and activities that help campers be Strong, Tenacious, Authentic and Resilient, and that encourage campers to shine brightly and inspire others to do the same, even in difficult times,” she said.
Burn Camp has faced some challenges, transitions and new opportunities in the last few years. In 2020 and 2021, campers and staff had to make the most of camp being mostly remote due to COVID. And, in 2023, Camp Timber-lee changed ownership.
Michael Wos, Executive Director of PFFWCF, is excited for the opportunity for Burn Camp to continue to grow and serve as many young burn survivors as possible. “We’re off to a great start with Camp Timber-lee under its new ownership and are very grateful for their investment thus far, improvements they are making and their commitment to run Burn Camp exactly as planned and expected,” Wos said. “Nothing is more important to us than ensuring an incredible camp experience and fostering the positive, life-affirming impacts and meaningful connections campers make.”
The primary overnight camp serves children ages seven to 17. There is also a one-day Explorers program for kids under the age of seven or any child not ready for overnight camp, as well as a Young Adult Leadership Program (YALP) for burn survivors ages 18-21.
Many YALP graduates transition into camp staff and volunteer roles and are among the 40-50 volunteers who generously give a week of their lives to create an incredible Burn Camp experience each year. PFFWCF is actively seeking additional volunteers to support all aspects of camp.
Each day of Burn Camp brings a host of special events and activities, including a special “Bike Night” on Tuesday, August 15 and Visitor’s Day on Thursday, August 17 which features a fire truck parade, group lunch, and a host of other special activities and acknowledgements.
The Burn Camp experience is offered to participants completely free of charge through generous donations from a diverse group individuals, organizations and corporate partners. While registration is available up until the start of camp, PFFWCF encourages those who might benefit from camp to register by July 31, 2023.
General information: https://pffwcf.org/burnsurvivorsupport/
Registration: https://pffwcf.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/2023-pffwcf-camper-registration-form
Volunteer application: https://pffwcf.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/2023-pffwcf-new-camp-staff-application