IAFF National Children’s Burn Camp Begins in Washington, DC

Burn survivor Rachel Cooney, representing the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp, and IAFF fire fighter counselor Matt Tobia, a member of Anne Arundel County, MD Local 1563, are interviewed by a local television reporter.

September 26, 2006 – More than 40 teenage burn survivors from across the United States and Canada are participating in the 2006 IAFF National Children’s Burn Camp in Washington, DC. The week-long internationally recognized program gives young burn survivors the opportunity to share their experiences with others who have fought back courageously and successfully from burn injuries.

Every year, the IAFF Burn Foundation selects a teenage burn survivor/camper and a professional fire fighter/camp counselor from regional burn camps across the United States and Canada to attend the National Camp in the Nation’s Capital where they tour the monuments, memorials, and museums, visit the White House and the Capitol, meet national leaders and spend time with local fire fighters.

Camp attendees at the Washington Monument, one of the many sights that IAFF National Burn Camp attendees tour during their week-long stay in the Nation’s Capital.

Many IAFF affiliates and members – as well as regional burn foundations and other businesses and groups – partner with the IAFF Burn Foundation to sponsor events conducted during the National Camp. In addition to providing financial support, sponsors also donate affiliate and department apparel and memorabilia, arrange for special transportation for attendees during their visit and make other extraordinary efforts to ensure each camper feels honored and special.

Created in 1982 as a nonprofit organization affiliated with IAFF, the IAFF Burn Foundation is an education and research organization dedicated to effective burn prevention programs, advanced treatment techniques and improvements in survivor rehabilitation.

2006 IAFF National Children’s Burn Camp attendees enjoy a cookout at Arlington, Virginia Firehouse 5. The event was hosted by Arlington, VA Local 2800 and the Arlington County Fire Department.

For more information about the IAFF Burn Foundation, call (202) 824-8620 or visit www.iaff.org.