The Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of children who have suffered severe burn injuries. Made up of representatives from local fire service organizations, hospitals, and businesses, the Burn Foundation provides special programs and services which focus on assisting children and their families in rehabilitation, social adjustment, and motivation to facilitate main-streaming them back into society as productive people. The life of a child who has suffered a severe burn injury is changed from the moment the fire occurs. The psychological impact on a burned child is often more painful than the physical injury itself.

One program of the Children’s Burn Foundation is the Burn Camp for Children. This special camp is a place where burned children can gather together for a few days and forget that they look different; a place where they can develop new friendships and realize that others have had similar experiences.

Regional Coordinators from around the State, parts of South Carolina and Georgia, contact their local burn units, hospitals, Shriners, or other referral sources, to obtain information on children who may be eligible to attend the camp. These children are often in various stages of recovery; some are required to wear pressure garments, some are in wheelchairs, and some are still receiving physical therapy or may be awaiting reconstructive surgery. In any instance they are special children in the hearts of all who attend the Burn Camp, their inner beauty prevailing over the daily struggles they encounter.

The Burn Camp for Children is a weekend event held at the Florida Elks Youth Ranch in Umatilla, Florida. Each child attending the camp will be accompanied by a "burn buddy," usually a firefighter, nurse, physical therapist, or friend, who is familiar with the child and their individual needs. The burn buddy will serve as a one-on-one support system for the child throughout the weekend, and often becomes a life-long friend. Participating in the burn camp and spending time with these children is also a special opportunity for the firefighters whose last contact with the child may have been at the scene of their fire incident.

During their time at the camp, the children will take part in a variety of scheduled activities such as, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, rappelling, and dancing to a live D.J. Each activity allows the children time to interact with each other and their burn buddies, while having the time of their lives. The camp often includes special guests, many of whom have also suffered traumatic burn injuries. These inspirational guests offer guidance and encouragement to the children who may feel that there is little hope for a happy and productive life.

A big part of the success of the Children’s Burn Camp is the countless hours and services donated by many, many wonderful volunteers, contributors, and supporters of our program.

                          Canoeing                                                                             Campfire

                    Group Picture                                                                         Hoedown

To learn more about the Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida, Inc., please contact Tammy Wunderly, at the Orange County Fire Rescue Department, 407-454-4897.