Camp Beyond the Scars

Approximately 80 burn-injured children will enjoy outdoor winter activities while they gain a renewed sense of self-esteem at 'Camp Beyond the Scars' during the upcoming President's Day weekend.

Sponsored by the non-profit Burn Institute-Inland Empire (BI-IE), the camp provides a relaxed social setting where burn-injured children ages 5 to 17 receive new coping skills while learning to feel better about themselves. The annual event will take place at the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Centers, Inc. in Big Bear Lake (CA) Feb. 18 - 21.

Programs for burn survivors are a vital component of the Burn Institute's mission, and Camp Beyond the Scars is its hallmark program. The winter burn camp "is a remarkable healing experience," says BI-IE Director Sherri Laffey. "During a weekend packed with fun and special activities, our primary goal is to helps transform burn victims into burn survivors."

Many of the camp counselors are off-duty firefighters, who are uniquely familiar with the challenges these children face. "For children who survive a serious burn injury, permanent scarring, social isolation and emotional trauma can linger well beyond the initial tragedy," says camp director Rick Stone, a firefighter with the Corona Fire Department. "Camp Beyond the Scars is emotional for us too, and as firefighters we look forward to it all year long."

"For many participants, winter burn camp is the first time they have seen another child with burn injuries," adds Stone. "With support and counseling provided at the camp, the kids learn to feel more positive about themselves. Then hopefully they're better able to face their injuries and achieve success in their daily lives."

Campers enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, snow sledding, skiing, and an outdoor Olympic course with many types of sports. Indoors, there's arts and crafts, cake decorating, and woodwork, not to mention dancing, singing, drama (and more !). Campers benefit from interaction with other children who have had a similar unfortunate experience, while doing what kids do best – having fun!

The cost to send a child to winter burn camp is approximately $800 per child, according to Laffey. The BI-IE, along with Fire Associations from throughout the Inland Empire, raise funds all year long to make sure every deserving child can attend.

In the fall, area firefighters were present at the NASCAR races in Fontana, where race fans "Filled the Boot" with donations. And on Black Friday, the start of the Holiday shopping season, the firefighters greeted shoppers at several retail malls with boots in-hand, again raising funds for Camp Beyond the Scars.

Last month, the BI-IE sponsored "The Race to the Camp" a fundraiser which saw 16 teams compete in a Go-Kart race at Pole Position Raceway in Corona. The teams represented area fire departments, businesses, and doctors, as well as NFL former players, who were determined to raise funds so Burn-injured kids can attend Camp Beyond the Scars.

During the year the BI-IE also receives donations of winter coats, gloves, hats and boots, and makes sure each child is dressed properly for the winter weather. "Some of these kids, if not most of them, come from low-income households, and we make sure they are properly clothed for activities in the snow and cold," says Laffey. "Many have never been in the snow before, so it’s a very special experience for them."

The work of the Burn Institute-Inland Empire (BI-IE), goes on year-round. The BI-IE is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Located at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) in Colton CA, it reaches thousands of children and adults each year with lifesaving fire and burn prevention education; it funds vital burn research and treatment; and it conducts burn survivor support programs that help children and adults cope with the devastating psychological and physical effects of their injuries.

"Our Camp Beyond the Scars continues to made a difference in the lives of hundreds of burned-injured kids in the Inland Empire," says Laffey. "It is an experience the participants,-- campers and counselors alike, -- never forget the rest of their lives."

Media coverage of the BI-IE's Camp Beyond the Scars is both encouraged and appreciated. To make arrangements, please contact Sherri Laffey at 909-253-2102. To learn more about the BI-IE, visit our web site at www.burninstitute-ie.org.