No one understands the harrowing after effects of a fire more than professional fire fighters. They are first on the scene carrying the injured to safety and providing the initial treatment to injuries that can last a lifetime.
Too often, children are the ones being rescued from fires with life-threatening burns, scalds or other injuries. Fire fighters understand the strength, courage and peer support children will need to overcome their injuries and thrive.
Each year, the IAFF Charitable Foundation hosts its International Burn Camp to bring teen burn survivors together with professional fire fighter counselors volunteering their time for a once-in-a-lifetime experience throughout the Washington, DC area. Events will include laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery and a fire house lunch hosted by the DC Firefighters Local 36.
Campers aged 13-15 attending this year’s Burn Camp from September 21-28 will have the opportunity to bond with fire fighters and other campers who share their experiences and understand the challenges they face each day.
DID YOU KNOW?
- More than 500,000 people in North America suffer burn injuries each year.
- 75 percent of burns to children under four years old are scalds.
- 4,000 people die from fire and burn injuries each year in the U.S.
- The IAFF Charitable Foundation has awarded $2.7 million to burn research since 1982.
- An estimated 2,500 children attend 50 regional burn camps each year.
- Since 1995, about 750 children have been invited to the International Burn Camp.
The IAFF Charitable Foundation, established by the IAFF, supports IAFF members and their families in their time of need, assisting burn survivors, helping those affected by natural disasters and providing scholarships to the children of fire fighters who have died in the line of duty. For nearly 100 years, the IAFF has made charitable efforts a cornerstone of its mission. The Burn Fund, established in 1982, is one of the largest sources for burn research grants and the sponsor of the International Burn Camp, held each fall in Washington, DC. More information is available at http://burn.iaff.org/
