Dozens of teen burn survivors from across the U.S. and Canada gathered inside D.C. Fire Department’s Engine 2, Rescue Squad 1, just steps away from Capital One Arena, for the IAFF’s International Burn Camp.
Phil Tammaro, the IAFF’s Burn Coordinator and a burn survivor, says the camp builds confidence and community while also allowing campers to visit historic sites in Washington D.C., and Annapolis.
“Coming down here and seeing the U.S. Capitol Building and all the different monuments and going to the Naval Academy where they learn about leadership, teamwork, and commitment, is invaluable alongside their fire fighter mentors,” Tammaro said.
It’s an all-hands-on-deck operation, with Washington D.C. Local 36, National Capital Federal Fire Fighters Local F-121, Anne Arundel County, MD Local 1563, and the D.C. Burn Foundation lending a hand to assist with the campers.
Coming down here and seeing the U.S. Capitol Building and all the different monuments and going to the Naval Academy where they learn about leadership, teamwork, and commitment, is invaluable alongside their fire fighter mentors.
Phil tammaro, iaff’s burn coordinator
“The on-duty guys are the ones who make sure the tables and chairs get delivered on time, get the firehouse ready, and ensure the food is arranged and here on time,” said Bowie Kuhn, treasurer of the D.C. Burn Foundation. “As part of the IAFF Burn Camp, it’s important for burn survivors to meet fire fighters and form a bond.”
Michael Skahill, a retired Local 36 member and owner of Old Fireman’s BBQ, believes in the mission. “This is the 20th year we’ve done this event, feeding the burn survivors. We work with the D.C. Fire Fighters Burn Foundation,” he said. “It’s a great mission, especially as a retired fire fighter, and I think that’s probably what keeps me going.”
This weeklong experience, hosted by the IAFF Foundation, is a transformative journey for many of the campers, like Pennsylvania native Kamari Fussell.
“When I was younger, I was very self-conscious about my burns,” said Kamari. “I didn’t really care what people said, but deep down it did sting. Now that I have been with other people longer, I’ve become more accustomed to it and more OK with how I look with my burns.”
The camp offers more than just a safe space; it provides an opportunity to connect with everyday heroes, fire fighters and paramedics, who have witnessed the devastating effects of fire.
When I was younger, I was very self-conscious about my burns. I didn’t really care what people said, but deep down it did sting.
kamari fussell, camper
Anne Arundel County, MD Local 1563 fire fighter, Brian Carhart, a longtime camp volunteer, said it’s been great to witness the growth of campers, like Kamari. “It’s been fun, watching him grow, mature, and become more educated, and it’s given him an opportunity to connect with other kids who have burn injuries, and to see them persevere, work through their injuries; it’s been very inspiring.”
Jessica Thai, a camper who traveled from Ontario, CN, enjoyed meeting others who share her journey. “I’m really grateful that I get to experience this, meet other campers who have gone through similar things,” she said. “I’ll go home with a lot of memories and experiences. Seeing all these cool landmarks in the U.S. capital city is crazy to me. It’s my first time here, and I’m really looking forward to sharing stories and creating more memories.”
To see them persevere, work through their injuries; it’s been very inspiring.
brian carhart, volunteer, local 1563 member
In the face of adversity, these teen survivors continue to grow and thrive with the help of IAFF members who answered the call to assist their community.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the campers, and this is just an extension of fire fighters giving back,” Tammaro said.
Campers will finish the week with visits to IAFF headquarters, Fort Myer Base, Arlington Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a walking tour of the National Mall, and a full camp day at Camp Wabanna before departing for home Friday.
