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News: Central Virginia Burn Camp
Posted on Monday, February 22 @ 07:15:39 PST
Topic: Virginia Chapter
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 Know of a child who has been hurt in a fire or been scalded? Remember the scars and damage that was done to them? Now think to when they get to return to school, or when they go shopping? To a movie? The stares they get or the questioning looks from their peers or strangers who wonder – what happened to him or her?
There is a group of firefighters, nurses, therapists and other volunteers who work each year to provide kids like this a chance to be with other kids like themselves in a fun environment. The kids each year show up to Charlottesville Va for the Central Virginia Burn Camp where kids who have varying degrees of burns come and share a camp experience without the questioning looks, the avoiding eye contact, etc that happen to them outside this event.
Their burns range from full body to barely noticeable. They occurred accidentally or in some cases through child abuse. Some are missing hair, eyebrows, and other parts of their body. Many still suffer though pain and / or are still undergoing medical procedures, therapy, etc.
The CVBC has been taking place for 16 years now. When it started it was just 6 kids and a handful of inexperienced but committed volunteers. Since that early beginning the camp has grown to this past year of 40 campers from across the Commonwealth and 30 experienced volunteer workers. The camp has a theme each year and this past year was Music. Activities this summer included a trip to Kings Dominion which is always a favorite, a dance, swimming, a musical, canoeing and fishing, horseback riding, etc. Some of the kids who have gotten older now come back and help when they can to mentor those younger than themselves to show they can survive and be part of the outside world. And the best part – camp is free for the campers to attend!
Food is donated and cooked by various fire departments like Richmond, Henrico, Charlottesville, that come and prepare the entire meal. Having been a part of this myself many times, I can attest that no camper goes away hungry. They put out a spread and many times there is little to put away afterwards. These kids can eat! And firefighters can cook!!
The CVBC also hosts a smaller weekend winter camp some years. This weekend event takes place to give the kids a time to go out and be part of the winter time activities. Bowling, movies, breakfast at a fire house, games, etc is just a break from the everyday routine of dealing with their burns.
All of the workers for the camp are volunteers. They range from firefighters, to health care professionals, adult burn survivors, to even some sprinkler people who come and help cook, transport to events, council and help deal with those having issues and all other facets of hosting this week long camp. They take their vacation times or time off from work to come participate and make this event what it is every single year.
Another way this is special is with the help of the Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association. The chapter 16 years ago began hosting a golf tournament to benefit the MCV / VCU Burn Center in Richmond. Once the tournament grew and took off, it was decided to split the tournament in half with half the proceeds going to the Burn center and the other half going to the CVBC. What this has done for the burn camp is virtually eliminated their need to solicit sponsorships to host the event. AFSA Virginia now covers roughly 80% of their yearly needs for money as it covers the dreaded but always needed insurance, the rental of the camp location, trips and tours and camp events. Without this funding, the camp especially in today economy would virtually be non existent or would have to curtail many of the activities and or restrict the number of attendees. Again, there is NO charge to the families to send their child to burn camp and in many cases, even transportation to and from camp is provided by camp volunteers.
This past year, the Va Chapter was able to sell out the tournament for a 5th straight year. In doing so each of the two recipients was able to receive checks for $ 20,000. To the CVBC, this means their 17th year in existence will once again go off without a hitch. They also do not have to worry about chasing funding and can now put their full attention to making this camp the best it can be for those boys and girls who will show up in June 2010 ready to rock and roll and enjoy a full week of activities. And the Virginia Chapter again in September will host the 17th Annual Golf Tournament to make sure this continues.
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