July CEO Corner

As we round out the first half of 2022 it is easy say that time flew by. But these first six months were full of great opportunities for our youngest burn survivors.

As many of you may have seen from previous announcements from ABF, Camp Courage was back in person. After missing in person camp for two years it was phenomenal to see the volunteers come back energized to make an impact. Then to have campers arrive on Sunday morning and see all their old friends was so inspiring. This year was also the first year for about a quarter of the campers.
The first day or two at camp is always the most challenging for all of the campers. It is a time for them to reconnect to who they were before the trauma of burn and start to feel accepted and not be concerned about any of the physical appearances of their burn injuries and truly be at ease in their own skin.
By Tuesday it is game on for the campers. Navigating the ropes courses and the zip line, along with horseback riding and arts & craft projects; including the opportunity to tie dye their camp shirt as well as other items like bandanas, socks (the possibilities are endless). These projects make for some colorful pictures to be sure. This leads to a full day at the lake where campers and volunteers work together to travel the lake in canoes and kayaks.
One of the best parts of camp this year was on Saturday as the kids was telling them “see you in the fall” instead of next summer. This is thanks to of all of you that have contributed to the capacity building campaign.
There will be a daylong picnic in Cottonwood this fall, there is a Diamond Backs Game at the end of summer, plans are about to be finalized in Tucson for an event, and plans are underway for activities in Phoenix.
Wrapping up Camp Courage 2022 I wanted to leave you with a quote from a camper’s father that I spoke to after his son returned from camp, “He needed this camp, he came home 180 degrees changed for the better. Thank you.”
This is what your donations and support are helping to create, “Community”. Everyone has a need to feel like they belong and programs that you are supporting gives the burn survivor and their families a community. And you are a key part of our community.