Camp Connection: Navigating Burn Injuries as a Couple

Supporting connection, healing, and resilience for couples navigating the burn recovery journey.

“I just want to thank you so much for this special connection with other burn survivors. You guys are a true blessing.” 

“This weekend means more than you will ever know.” 

“Thank you for everything you’ve done to bring us all together. It truly is life-changing and a relief to share and know you’re not alone.”

These are just a few of the sentiments shared by couples at this year’s Camp Connection. One of ABF’s Thrive Programs, Camp Connection is a weekend retreat designed for adult burn survivors and their significant others to reconnect, recharge, and strengthen their relationships alongside others who truly understand the journey.

Hosted at El Conquistador Resort in Tucson, the weekend created space for meaningful connection through thoughtfully designed activities—including art therapy, couples “speed friending,” an intimacy workshop, restorative yoga, and a powerful talking circle. Through these experiences, participants were able to open up, build trust, and connect in ways that are often difficult in everyday life.

For many couples, the experience of a burn injury impacts not just the survivor, but the relationship as a whole. Camp Connection provides a rare opportunity to step away from daily routines—offering tools for communication, moments for reflection, and a supportive community that truly understands.

The talking circle, in particular, offered a powerful space for survivors and their partners to share their stories, listen deeply, and feel seen. Rooted in Indigenous First Nations traditions, the talking circle honors a long-standing practice of coming together to listen, reflect, and build community—creating a foundation for deeper connection and long-term healing.

“Between the laughter, vulnerability, and new connections, the weekend created a strong sense of community,” said Ximena Contreras, ABF’s Tucson-based Burn Care Support Coordinator.

As one survivor shared, the weekend concluded with a “physical debrief for the body” through a restorative yoga session—sending everyone home feeling more centered, supported, and recharged.

Programs like Camp Connection remind us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through shared experiences, support, and community.

A heartfelt thank you to Beus O’Connor McGroder PLLC for sponsoring Camp Connection and making this meaningful experience possible. Additional thanks to our weekend partners, Creative Continuum Therapy and The Caring Way, as well as our very own staff member Ximena and volunteer Renee for leading the weekend with care, compassion, and expertise.

To learn more about ABF’s Thrive Programs, click here.