Counselors arrive today, campers tomorrow
The weeklong summer camp for burn-injured youth survivors returns to Camp Timber-Lee in East Troy today and runs until Aug. 15.
Organizers expect about 70 children at camp again this year, which will be run by three camp directors, 50 counselors, two activities staff members, three nursing staff and four camping coordinators.
Camp Timber-Lee has its own staff, which oversees the grounds, supervises camp activities, and provides lifeguards for lake activities.
Most of the Burn Camp activities take place at Camp Timber-Lee, however, there are a few field trips off site. These field trips typically involve a day trip to Wisconsin Dells, a trip to the Phantom Ranch and a dinner celebration at East Troy Fire House.
The week starts with the counselors arriving on Saturday to go over rules and procedures, complete all required paperwork, review the camp layout and schedules, and ready the camp for the kids.
On Sunday the campers arrive in busses from Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee accompanied by camp volunteers. The campers check-in, have a health screening and a swim test. They attend a welcome back ceremony, go over the week’s events and rules, and get orientated with Camp Timber-Lee.
On Monday the activities include horse back riding, archery and outside group activities provided by groups such as nurses from Columbia St. Mary’s or Children’s Hospital.
On Tuesday, along with scheduled group activities, weather permitting, various fire fighter motorcycling organizations, travel to camp and offer rides to the children.
There will be a teen trip for the older teens on Wednesday, massage therapists arrive for free massages the children who want them and therapy dogs arrive to work with the campers.
Thursday is volunteer visitor’s day and the camper’s families arrive. Representatives from many fire departments arrive with various pieces of apparatus, and have a parade of engines, ambulances, and other emergency response equipment. Campers are allowed to ride inside the fire trucks during the parade. Fund-raising groups present checks in support of the camp and the campers give a performance in appreciation.
Friday is Phantom Ranch Day and the East Troy Fire Department dinner, which is hosted by fire departments.
Saturday the campers have a large breakfast, make plans to stay in contact with their camp friends, pack up their belongings and return home by noon.
For 20 years, the Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety sponsored the Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth. On Jan. 1, the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation took over management of the camp.
For more information, visit the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation Inc. website at pffwcf.org.
