Burn camp welcomes youngsters

MILLCREEK CANYON — In many ways, it's a summer camp just like any other. There are horses and swimming, campfires and s'mores, arts and crafts.

But there are differences, too. There are children who would rather swim in T-shirts and long pants than show their scars; counselors who have to ask, "Is the chlorine bothering your sores?" and kids who get to know each other by asking, "How did you get burned?"

The University of Utah's Intermountain Burn Center over the weekend kicked off its inaugural Youth Burn Camp, sponsored by the Professional Firefighters of Utah. For nine years the center has offered an annual river-rafting trip for burn survivors 12 and older, but the only campers this weekend are between 6 and 11 years old.

Like 8-year-old Amber, who was burned three years ago just before Christmas. She leaned in too close to a candle, catching her shirt on fire and burning her arm, shoulder and torso.

Charlene Coon said her daughter has been looking forward to the camp since she first heard about it more than a month ago. "She's thrilled. Her whole class at school knows that she's coming here."

Coon hopes the three-day camp will help Amber see that she's not the only person her age who's been burned and that her scars are nothing to be embarrassed about.

"Just having that interaction is great," Coon said. "For them to see that 'Hey, you do heal. You do get better.'"

Counselor Kathy Edwards said that is what makes burn camp such a great experience. It's helpful for burn survivors, especially young children, to see that there are other kids going through the same thing.

"It gives them a chance to talk about their experience in a safe environment," Edwards said.

Eleven-year-old Alex felt secure talking to counselors about his burns during lunch. Four years ago he and a friend were playing in a cinder-block "fort" when the pair decided to light a fire to keep warm. The boys used gasoline to maintain the fire, which soon raged out of control. Alex had burns over 52 percent of his body; his friend suffered first-degree burns on his hands.

Health unit coordinator Tracy Lewis remembers Alex as one of the first victims she saw come into the burn center. In between covering the children from head to toe with sunscreen Friday, Lewis remarked on how well Alex had healed.

"Wow, Alex. Your stomach looks great!" Lewis said with a fond smile and pat on the head.