For about three dozen or so youngsters, all of whom have at one time or another suffered severe burn injuries, summer is the time when, at least for one fulfilled week, they can put their injuries and their scars (both physical and emotional) aside for awhile as they gather at The Connecticut Burns Care Foundation's Camp in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. The camp was founded by Arthur C. Luf, a retired Bridgeport firefighter, and established in 1991. It shares facilities with YMCA's Camp Hi Rock near Great Barrington, nearly one hundred and eighty miles northeast of New York City.
The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation has sent youngsters ranging in age from eight to eighteen to this camp from the very beginning. This year was no different. Located this year in Union, Connecticut, the Foundation provided forty-three youngsters. The kids we send are always from New York City and surrounding communities and most had their burn injuries treated at the Burn Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Jim Fitzgerald (Lt. Ret. of Lad 79, and a Foundation Director) has volunteered his services for many years as a counselor at the burn camp. Jim has been joined by several nurses and therapists from the Burn Center and as many as ten firefighters from Connecticut departments who also contribute their time and energy. The only compensation they receive is the satisfaction they derive from bringing some happiness to these youngsters.
We can't think of a better way to continue to reach out to burn victims. If you could witness the joy these youngsters demonstrate at being with others who share their plight, at being able to simply have some fun for a change, we're sure you'd agree that our support for these youngsters is a most worthwhile project. If you'd like to volunteer your services as a counselor at the Burn Camp next year, please call the Foundation at 1-718-379-1900 and we will get back to you.


Kids met with Ladder 16 before heading to camp.

Writer Denis Hamil: Burn Camp Lets Burned Kids Be Kids
Published Sunday Feb 21st, 1999