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The idea of a Children's Burn Camp was brought back to Edmonton by the staff of the Rehabilitation Department of the U of A Hospital after they attended a Burn Conference. A presentation on the Denver Children's Hospital was very inspiring and it was realized that the only camp of any sort for Burn Survivors was a weekend camp in Winnipeg. Camp He-Ho-Ha, west of Edmonton, was approached in 1987 to discuss the availability of space and the possibility of a Burn Camp.
In October, 1987 a proposal was developed with the cost being $40 per day for each child to attend an eight day camp. The proposal was presented to Dr. Alton, the Medical Advisor for the Firefighters' Burn Treatment Unit, and to the Chairman and Treasurer of the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, Edmonton Chapter.
February of 1988 saw the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society sponsor the first Children Burn Camp which would be held in August of the same year. In March of '88 the P.T's and O.T's mailed out 35 letters to children who had suffered a severe burn to at least 15 % of their body and who were treated at the Firefighters Burn Unit. Follow up was made by phone and the first eight campers were confirmed to attend the inaugural Burn Camp. The first camp was a great success, coverage was given by the media, evaluations completed, and a committee was struck to ensure that this would become an annual event.
In January 1989, pamphlets were made, and approved by Dr. Alton. They were then distributed by the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society (F.B.T.S., E.C.) and the Alberta Burn Rehabilitation Society (ABRS). Camp He-Ho-Ha however, had some bad news - they only had space for 10 campers this year. By May there were 15 applications and some fast talking and re-arranging with the Camp meant that all 15 were accommodated.
In 1990 the camp again had 15 children confirmed but two had to withdraw at the last minute. Sponsors included the Edmonton Oilers Association and children came from Ontario, BC and Alberta. The FBTS sponsored the children and the ABRS sponsored the transportation, as well the ABRS and the U of A supplied volunteers at the camp for the whole week.
The camp continued to grow and BC Firefighters paid the air fare for the BC campers and the Men of the Brigade Foundation sponsored other children. 1992 had 29 campers and 1993 had 37 campers. Campers were now coming from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and was growing rapidly each year. In 1994, with over 40 campers the Burn Camp moved to its present location, Camp Chief Hector in Kananaskis. By 1996 camp was being attended by 49 children from across the country. Camp is administered in a true team spirit by the ABRS and the U of A therapists with great input from the FBTS. Funding is raised in the corporate sector, with Levi Strauss being a major sponsor, through fund raising events such as an annual auction, and through the continued support of the FBTS, EC.
The camp has been, and will continue to be, a great success. Volunteers have come from as far away as Ontario and campers from almost every province. The U of A therapists and the ABRS continue to supply volunteers for the whole week of camp, and the FBTS continue their support to ensure ongoing success. By 1996 there were four Burn Camps in Canada.
Related Links:
Link to the Chief Camp Hector Webpage
Click here for PDF map of camp location
BC Burn Camp Link
Saskatchewan Fire Fighters Burn Fund
Contact Info:
E-Mail ( information@firefighterbtu.net )
Firefighters Burn Treatment Society (Edmonton Chapter)
Suite 1 Basement 7024 - 101 Avenue
Edmonton Alberta
T6A-0H7
(780) 429-0871
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