Camp Beyond the Scars

Whether accidental or inflicted, burn injuries remain one of the leading causes of childhood death and/or disfigurement in the United States. For children that survive a serious burn injury they are faced with permanent scarring, physical deformity, social isolation and emotional trauma long after the initial tragedy.

Camp Beyond the Scars represents one of the Burn Institute-Inland Empire’s most successful on-going efforts. Camp Beyond the Scars is available for burn-injured children between the ages of 5 and 18.

This special camp was established by the Burn Institute-San Diego in 1987. The tradition continues with Burn Institute-Inland Empire as both agencies co-host the camps to maximize service to the Southern California region. Camp Beyond the Scars serves as the hallmark of burn survivor programs of the Burn Institute. Each year children ages 5-18 attend a 4-day winter camp in the San Bernardino Mountains and a weeklong summer camp held in San Diego County.

Both camps provide a relaxed social setting offering burn-injured children the support and counseling needed to re-establish and enhance their self-esteem. Campers discover that they are not alone—that there are other children out there learning to live with burn injury. Burn Camp is a unique, positive experience for these children where they can be themselves, share common ground with others and make new friends in a nurturing environment. Campers also get to do what kids do best – have fun! Camp activities include swimming, basketball, volleyball, horseback riding, archery, overnight camping, golf, arts and crafts, snow-play and snowboarding and more. For many children, this special camp is the first time they have seen another child with burn injuries. Campers begin to feel better about their selves and are better able to face their injuries with new coping skills and a renewed sense of self-esteem. Camp is a remarkable healing experience that helps transform burn victims into burn survivors. Many camp counselors and volunteers are off-duty firefighters and adult burn survivors, who are uniquely familiar with the challenges these children face.

Since its inception Camp Beyond the Scars has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of burn-injured children.

Camp Beyond the Scars is scheduled for August 4-10, 2008 at Young Life Oakbridge, Ramona CA. For more information, call (858) 541-2277.

Camper Application (Acrobat PDF)
Camp Counselor Application (Acrobat PDF)
Volunteer Application (Acrobat PDF)