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.
Click to Read Article By
New York Daily News Writer
