Burn Camp 2010

Every year since 1993 University Health Care Burn Center (Click to get to website) puts on a camp for burn survivors - free of charge for participants. Camp Nah-Nah-Mah, located in Millcreek Canyon Boy Scout Camp, Camp Tracy, is for children ages 6-12. Neptune Divers is proud to provide scuba experiences for the children at the camp. The camp organizers specify that only children age 11 can attend the scuba experience. This way, it gives the younger kids something to look forward to doing when they get "big".

Since B&B are associated with Neptune Divers, they get to run the scuba experience. And since Garet & I are associated with B&B (Duh!) we got to attend this year! YAY!

First things, first, though. FOOD! Fire Fighters across the Wasatch Front provide each meal for the kids all week at the Burn Camp. Lunch was provided by the Logan Fire Fighters & after we had all the gear set up and ready for the kids, we were able to sit and eat lunch with the kids. We all mingled and sat among them and their counselors as we ate. It was great getting to meet them before scuba diving.

I was really impressed because each counselor is either and RN, NP, MD, etc, and each counselor has only one or two kids. These kids get undivided attention and lots of fun & support.

Then there's scuba diving!!! Some kids did the scuba experience last year and were way excited to do it again this year. For most, this was their first year doing it. For a few this was a very scary adventure. But, ALL the kids had a great time and a positive experience - thanks to everyone that helped!

From L to R: B, George, Me, Emma, Tyler, Susan, Garet, Chris, Penne, Brad, & Brad.

Brad, George, & Brad instructing the boys. Statistically, more boys get burned than girls. We only had 2 girls to our 12 or more boys.

Garet was the official underwater photographer. Here he is with B helping him get the camera set up.

Garet & Brad adjusting things on the underwater camera.

Notice the water frisbee in the upper right corner of the pic. These kids are havin' a blast.

Channel 2 & Fox 13 News were there and they interviewed a few of the kids. (Click on Channel 2 to see the article - it's pretty neat.)

Do you know, I was so impressed with these kids. They have all been through a lot, they all have scars, and they each have a story. But, I was amazed and touched by their strength and courage.

At lunch B, Garet, George, & I sat with Carson and his counselor. Carson can't swim and was quite nervous about scuba diving. George took him one on one and Carson ended up having a great time.

George outfitting Carson.

Brad joined with Carson & George. Here they are holding Carson's hands for a couple of reasons. First he was scared, and 2nd to help him swim under the water.

Geroge, Carson, & Brad still holding hands and swimming under the water.

Carson solo. YAY!

In Carson's right hand is a water frisbee. He looks pretty comfy in the water now!

Carson post scuba. Note the red ring on his forehead from the mask. Also note the smile on his face! What a great kid!

This nervous young boy and his counselor did the scuba experience together. (With George assisting of course.) He ended up having a great time.

Brayden

This is Jaci. This girl was not just nervous, she was off-the-charts nervous. Brad & Penne are getting her outfitted with a weight belt.

Penne spent an hour with Jaci, from coaxing her into the scuba clothing and weight belt, to easing her into the pool. Then the mask, BC & reg. Each new item was carefully and repeatedly explained to her. Jaci ended up doing great and was later seen independently playing with the toys in the pool with the other kids.

Penne & Jaci with her counselor close by.

In this picture, Channel 2 is interviewing her. She told them that she was having a great time.

JC - Penne

I never caught this boy's name, but isn't he darling.

What a great experience for everyone there. It was hard work too. We had to count & unload then count & reload all the equipment, outfit the kids, take tons of pics, and keep everyone safe. And make sure all are having a great time too. Garet worked hard - he was in charge of counting the equipment off then back in the truck. He was also in charge of all the underwater photography, and whatever anyone else needed help with. What a great kid!

I am so glad I was able to attend this burn camp. There were a few times I found myself tearing up. I chalked it up to no sleep because I worked the night before, but today as I looked over the pics, I found myself tearful yet again. These kids are amazing. I've been around a bunch of boys and I usually get sick of them pretty fast. But, these kids were different. Not because of the scars you can see, but because of who they are. They are survivors. They were awesome to be around.

Thank you B&B for allowing me to be there! Plan on me next year too!