Every day in the United States, approximately 300 children visit emergency rooms for burn-related injuries, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The physical and emotional impact of these injuries can linger well beyond the initial treatment. Each year, a special camp offers a chance for healing and connection among teen burn survivors, allowing them to share experiences and enjoy a sense of freedom.
The International Association of Firefighters hosts an annual burn camp that selects around 40 teens, aged 14 to 16, to participate. This year, the group began their week-long experience touring Washington, D.C., followed by adventures at Camp Wabanna in Maryland, where they engaged in activities like a ropes course designed to build confidence and resilience.
Building Confidence Through Shared Experiences
Participants found joy in facing challenges together. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee Twyman expressed her excitement about the activities, noting, “It felt nice to be in the air.” David “Rico” Petrucelli, the camp director, emphasized the importance of educational activities, mentioning, “We basically spent all day going up and down the Mall and letting the kids see Smithsonian museums and not be rushed through them.” For many attendees, this camp serves as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to let down their guard and simply be themselves.
Fifteen-year-old Zeno Walters shared his thoughts on the camaraderie developed at the camp. “It’s been nice to see other people like me who have burns,” he said. “Like my burns aren’t visible, mine are on my back. But it’s been nice to see other kids who look like me and have gone through the same experiences.” The shared stories among the teens create a unique bond, allowing them to relate to each other in ways that others may not understand.
Encouraging Resilience and Understanding
Each teen carries their own narrative, with visible and invisible scars. Despite their differences, they collectively embody resilience. Twyman highlighted an important message for the world: “It’s not the end of the world. You’re still a human being, and you should always keep pushing forward.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the camp community.
Campers were paired with counselors from their hometown burn camps, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. Emilio Montoya, a former camper turned counselor, expressed his motivation for participating. “I actually see myself in some of them,” he said. “The best part about being a counselor to me is just trying to create that one memory for the kids to keep coming back.”
The camp has been running for over 40 years, drawing participants from various regions, including California to Maine, and even extending into Canada. Each day, the teenagers engage in lessons centered on themes such as teamwork, commitment, and integrity. “We’re all human. We’re all the same,” Walters remarked. “We’ve been through different things, but at the end of the day, we’re all human, and we’re just trying to get through life.”
This annual gathering not only provides therapeutic opportunities for healing but also emphasizes the strength and resilience of young survivors, encouraging them to embrace their identities and support one another in their journeys.
