Teen burn survivors from the United States and Canada gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for the IAFF Foundation’s annual International Burn Camp.
The event brought together 41 campers, aged 13 to 15, for a week of activities designed to build confidence, foster community, and offer an opportunity to visit historic sites.
As reported by the IAFF, the camp aims to help survivors connect with others who share similar experiences while bonding with fire fighter mentors.
The camp is supported by fire fighters from 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.
The campers are guided by fire fighter counselors and engage in activities like visiting the U.S. Capitol and the Naval Academy, which emphasize leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.
The camp relies heavily on the involvement of local fire fighters, many of whom volunteer their time to assist with logistics and mentoring.
Bowie Kuhn, treasurer of the D.C. Burn Foundation, highlighted the importance of these interactions: “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.”
The bond formed between campers and fire fighters plays a crucial role in the healing and empowerment of the young participants.
Retired fire fighter and Local 36 member Michael Skahill, who owns Old Fireman’s BBQ, has been involved with the camp for 20 years.
He emphasized the mission’s importance: “This is the 20th year we’ve done this event, feeding the burn survivors. We work with the D.C. Fire Fighters Burn Foundation, and it’s a great mission.”
The camp also provides an opportunity for survivors to open up about their personal journeys.
Kamari Fussell, a camper from Pennsylvania, reflected on how the experience has impacted him: “When I was younger, I was very self-conscious about my burns…
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.”
Camp counselor Brian Carhart, a member of Local 1563, shared his perspective on watching Kamari grow: “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.”
For Ontario camper Jessica Thai, the camp was a chance to bond with others who understand her experiences.
She shared: “I’m really grateful that I get to experience this, meet other campers who have gone through similar things… Seeing all these cool landmarks in the U.S. capital city is crazy to me.”
The campers’ week was filled with visits to key historical sites, including a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, a tour of the National Mall, and a day spent at Camp Wabanna.
The IAFF Foundation and its members work together to make this week an enriching experience for the campers, ensuring that each survivor leaves with new memories and a stronger sense of community.
IAFF Burn Coordinator Phil Tammaro said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the campers, and this is just an extension of fire fighters giving back.” The event also included stops at IAFF headquarters and Fort Myer Base.
The IAFF Foundation hosted its annual International Burn Camp in Washington, D.C., bringing together 41 teenage burn survivors from the U.S. and Canada.
The weeklong event provided a supportive environment for the campers to bond with fire fighter mentors and fellow survivors while participating in activities that fostered confidence and leadership.
Local fire fighters from Washington, D.C., and Maryland were instrumental in the camp’s success, volunteering their time and resources to support the event.
Highlights of the camp included visits to historic landmarks, such as the U.S. Capitol and Arlington National Cemetery.
