Camp Bags for the Burn Institute

Our community activity this year will be making camp bags. They will be goodie bags to welcome kids to camp. We will be collecting items, as well as, financial donations to purchase items for the bags. The Summer Camp is August 4-10. The camper age range is from 5-18 years. There will be 75 - 100 campers with 15 counselors so we will need approximately 100 of each donated item.

The theme will be 2008 Olympics.We have collected stickers, water guns, yoyos, pencil, toy magnifying glasses, small stamps, beads, cups, and glitter tattoos so far. Additional suggested items are noted below. We are looking for 100 of each item:

• small toys/ puzzles
• flashlights
• travel size sunscreen
• lip balm
• pencils or pens
• erasers
• notepads
• hats
• scrapbook items

No food items please. The Burn Institute will provide all donors with an acknowledgment of donation for individuals and corporate donors. If you have collected a donated item, please let Laurel Latto (info@sdaph.org) know so she can track collections.

Since 1987, the Burn Institute has sponsored a summer camp for burn-injured children called Camp Beyond the Scars. It is a week long event for these children (between 5 and 18) to have fun and learn from others who share the same situation. They see how others deal with their injuries, both physical and emotional and come away with a renewed feeling of self-esteem and confidence. Set in the tranquil environment of Oakbridge, the campers enjoy activities such as swimming, rock climbing, ropes course, hiking, horseback riding, archery, skateboarding, surfing, sailing, and arts and crafts.

Camp Beyond the Scars has made a huge difference in the lives of severely burn-injured children. For many of them, it’s their first camping experience. When burn-injured children arrive at camp, many hesitate to show their scars. But after spending time with other burn survivors, they begin to shed those fears and are less self-conscious about wearing shorts and tank tops. Most often, this week gives them the chance to feel like a kid again.

If you wish to make a donation but can not make the bag assembly event then please email info@sdaph.org for scheduling a drop-off/ pick-up. Any additional funds raised that are not used for the camp bags will be donated to the Burn Institute for the summer camp.

You may donate now via PayPal. If you wish to send a check then please email info@sdaph.org for a mailing address.

For more information about the camp, contact Dana Carnduff at the Burn Institute at (858) 541-2277 or DCarnduff@burninstitute.org. Non-profit receipts for all donations will be available upon request.