National Camp 2018
Last week (13th-17th August) was the National Camp for young burns survivors at Grafham Water, in Cambridgeshire. It is organised by the Burn Camps Charity and for the past 12 years I have been involved with a fire engine pull (yes, you read that correctly, and no, I don’t pull it on my own!) in St Neots, which raises money towards the National Camp, so that youngsters aged 7-years old and their chaperones can enjoy a fully funded week long activity camp, making new friends and memories along the way.
About the charity…
Burn Camps Charity was established to fund and organise residential camps and day events for young burns survivors, regardless of severity of burn, ethnic or religious background. Helping to build their esteem, confidence and self-worth, through integration with other burns survivors and setting them challenging but achievable goals, be it in a group or as an individual.
These young burns survivors may have to go through years of surgery after their burn injury and many have to learn to cope and adapt to their new altered body image, which often sets up its own challenges. Many feel very isolated and meeting up with others in a similar position to them, means they are able to discuss and chat about their anxieties and frustrations, often making life long friends.
Pamper Night!
On Thursday, after a long day at Wicksteed Park, the campers were treated to a little pampering and a movie night back at base. There were arts and craft activities, nail painting, hair straightening/curling…and I turned up with my kit for a free for all photo session. It took a while to coax them into getting in front of the camera, but once the ‘leavers’ had their turn, the younger ones soon got involved and we had a great night of posing, laughing, glitter throwing and getting everyone involved…so much so I was left with over 100 photographs to go through and perfect. Here’s just a small selection for you to enjoy…
