Camp Courage 2017

The power of imagination….

With your imagination, you can travel anywhere in the speed of light, without any obstacles. You can be anyone you want to be, without judgment or rejection.  You can do anything you want to do, without boundaries or restrictions.

It was the power of imagination that fueled Camp Courage 2017. 77 Campers and Leaders-in-Training were met by 132 volunteers on June 4 as the buses rolled into the campgrounds in Prescott, AZ. As campers disembarked from the buses, they were met with hugs and high-fives by their counselors.

Throughout the week campers had the opportunity to participate in target shooting archery, biking, swimming, arts and crafts, and tie-dying. They also got to overcome their fears and doubts on the 200 yard long zip line, challenge course, ropes course, and rappelling. As part of their healing, the equine therapy program provided campers the opportunity to interact with horses through therapeutic exercises and horseback riding. Finally, camper had plenty of fun at the nightly activities planned.

One of highlights of Camp Courage was the Opening Ceremony Night. Boyd Smith, an adult burn survivor injured in a house fire in 2012, spoke to the campers about the power of resiliency. He challenged them to never give up and to keep pressing forward. Born with no arms and only half of one leg, Boyd overcame many obstacles before he was ever a burn survivor. His story was so powerful that two young campers stood after his presentation and confidently shared their story, declaring “I am a burn survivor”.

Some of the other big hits at camp this year included:

• Monday’s Escape Night fun in the gym
• The Dance Party with Walter the bus
• The new location for the overnight campout for older campers
• The magician at Carnival Night

To see all the photos from Camp Courage check out the Albums at https://www.facebook.com/pg/Arizona.Childrens.Burn.Camp/photos/?ref=page_internal