Brave Hearts' Camp 2007
Healing through Encouragement, Acceptance, Respect, Togetherness, Sanctity
The People’s Burn Foundation hosts 12th annual Brave Hearts Camp June 7 - 12
Camp offers traditional adventures filled with therapeutic healing for young burn survivors
On Sunday, June 7, 2009 nearly 40 young burn survivors will board a chartered bus heading south from Indianapolis to a place of reprieve at Happy Hollow Camp near Nashville, IN. The 12th annual Brave Hearts Camp will welcome new and returning campers, all of whom are survivors of traumatic burn injuries, for a week of summertime fun within a nurturing environment amongst their peers.
Brave Hearts’ Camp is one of several in the country, but unique from many others because it is a camp designed for emotional healing with year-long support for the entire family. This emotionally rehabilitative camp helps the children to understand that although their skin was burned their hearts and minds were not. Their time at camp allows the children to enjoy typical camp activities while working to heal the often negative images they carry of themselves. Being surrounded by others who have endured similar traumas allows the children to heal through one another while also working together to have appropriately directed emotional strength to carry beyond the confines of camp.
Campers are joined by firefighters from across the country who serve as their counselors within the cabins and throughout activities. These men and women give of their own personal vacation time each summer to spend with this special group of kids. Some will attend with a child they helped to rescue. Others come to give back to the countless children they saved but never knew of their fate.
This year’s camp will kick off with the 1st annual Ride for Brave Hearts. This motorcycle rally and ride will escort the busload of campers from the People’s Burn Foundation office to Mann’s Harley-Davidson in Edinburgh. A few select riders will continue on to escort the bus through the winding roads of southern Indiana to their final destination at Happy Hollow Camp.
Highlights of this year’s camp will include the Firefighter Challenge Course, Fishing Tournament, Horseback Riding, High-Ropes course and a Day of Beauty for the young women at camp. Media is invited and encouraged to join us for a day at camp to witness the strength and undeniable courage of these young campers come to life.
[PDF] Take a moment to see what the campers have to say about their experience at Brave Heart's Camp.
Camp Dates: June 7-12, 2009
Camp Admission Criteria
- Signed Physician's Statement.
- The camper must be between the ages of five and 18.
- The camper must have an established communication system that provides for effective interaction with staff and counselors.
- The camper has been hospitalized and undergone surgery for a severe burn injury
[PDF] 2009 Camper Application
[PDF] 2009 Camp Supply List
[PDF] 2009 Staff Application
[PDF] 2009 Returning Staff Application
Requirements for Volunteer Application