IAFF Burn Camp BLOG

September 26 • 2014

Follow campers throughout the week at the International Burn Camp

#IAFF #BurnCamp14


Carnival Day

September 25, 2014 – Bad weather didn’t stop IAFF Burn campers from having a good time at this year’s indoor and outdoor carnival.


Naval Academy Tour

September 24, 2014 – IAFF Burn campers pose outside the steps of the Midshipmen’s dormitory Bancroft Hall.


Special Camp for Child Burn Survivors (Associated Press)

September 24, 2014 — About 50 child burn survivors from across the U.S. and Canada have gathered in Washington for the International Burn Camp, a week of activities, inspiration and support, from each other and from fire fighter counselors who donate their time.


 

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Burn campers tour Mount Vernon and DC fire stationSeptember 23, 2014 — Burn survivors and counselors toured Mt. Vernon Tuesday. The tour was hosted by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and led by John Marshall. The background and lessons shared with our young people were priceless. Burn campers learned the vision, commitment and dedication required in the fight for independence while at President Washington’s home.

The group then visited Engine 2, Rescue 1 and District Chief of Ops at 500 F Street NW, where they we were welcomed by Interim DC Fire Chief Eugene Jones, IAFF Local 36 President Ed Smith, IAFF Chief of Operations Jim Lee and DCFF Burn Foundation President Jason Woods.

Lunch was prepared by the nationally ranked DCFD BBQ Team…you could hear a pin drop when all the plates were full. Campers were joined by members of the DC Chapter of the American Fire Fighters Motorcycle Club.

September 24, 2014 – Nothing works up a good appetite like a morning of sight-seeing around Washington, DC. After visiting Mount Vernon – George Washington’s estate about 15 miles south of DC – campers and their counselors stopped by the Chinatown Firehouse, home of Engine 2 and Rescue 1.
They arrived to the smell of smoke – the good kind that drifts skyward from a small chimney atop a large smoker packed with barbeque chicken. Local 36 played host to the campers, opening up the bay doors so the teens could climb on the apparatus before tearing into the hearty lunch prepared by DC’s own Firefighting Barbeque Team.
Several members of Local 36, including President Ed Smith, welcomed the campers. They were joined by DC’s new interim fire chief, Eugene Jones, whose praise of the International Burn Camp and Local 36 was met with rousing applause from both campers and fire fighters. IAFF Chief of Staff Jim Lee also stopped by to welcome the campers.

The next stop on the busy schedule for the campers was a souvenir shop followed by a trip across the Potomac River to see the Iwo Jima Memorial.


Burn campers visit Arlington National Cemetery

September 22, 2014 — This morning campers traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in a wreathlaying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Campers also witnessed a changing of the guard and helped present the IAFF Wreath, which was an awe-inspiring event for these young burn survivors, many whom are away from home for the very first time.

Four campers were selected to bring the wreath to the Tomb with a member of the Tomb Sentinels, who have been guarding the Tomb since World War II.

The Sentinel then laid our wreath to show our respect. During the tour of the grounds, campers were asked to think about commitment and dedication and what these traits mean as a whole and individually.

Camp staff was available to answer questions and share some of the history on this hallowed ground, from the Eternal Flame to the Canadian Cross to the Mast of the U.S.S. Maine to the Shuttle Challenger Memorial.


September 21, 2014 — Baltimore City, MD Local 734 hosted a cookout Sunday night for campers at its union hall with members of Engine Co. 55 following a visit to Camden Yards thanks to the Metro Firefighters Burn Center Fund. everyone gathered at the hall for a meal w and board members from the foundation.


September 20, 2014  — Campers arrive!


September 19, 2014 — IAFF burn campers descend on Camp Wabanna 

Burn campers will arrive to Camp Wabanna Saturday.

Tom Flamm, IAFF Burn Coordinator, says welcoming the more than 40 campers from the United States and Canada is one of best highlights of the year.

“We are privileged to do this for the young burn survivors and the counselors who come each year,“ he said.

Once campers are settled they will participate in team building activities and skits.
Sunday will be a big day.

Campers will see the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox play in the afternoon. Follow the activities of the campers throughout the week on this blog and help support the IAFF Charitable Foundation.


September 12, 2014 – More than 40 teenage burn survivors from across North America will attend the IAFF International Burn Camp September 20-27 in the Nation’s Capital. The week-long program provides a unique support system for these young burn survivors.

Campers will spend the week touring the Washington, DC monuments, memorials and museums and are given the opportunity to meet national leaders and local fire fighters. They will spend the night at Camp Wabanna in Edgewater, Maryland, where they will take part in team building and peer support activities.

Each year, the IAFF Charitable Foundation selects young burn survivors ages 13-15 and professional fire fighters/camp counselors from regional burn camps across the United States and Canada to attend the International Burn Camp, which is funded by the IAFF Charitable Foundation and run by professional fire fighters who donate their time to help create a better quality of life for kids affected by burn trauma.