Alberta Fire Fighter Burn Camp

The Cause

Since its inception in 1977, the Edmonton Firefighter’s Burn Treatment Society (EFBTS) has been committed to the advancement of research, treatment, and recovery of thermal injuries, relentlessly raising both funds and awareness. Each year, in partnership with Easter Seals Camp Horizon, EFBTS provides a free week-long camp for 80 young burn survivors aged 7-17. Doctors, Nurses and Fire Fighters donate their time as organizers, medical staff and mentors. Campers participate in group activities such as swimming, hiking, challenge ropes, archery and arts & crafts while also learning about Alberta’s rich environmental resources and history.
This weeklong Camp is strategically held in the middle of summer for young burn survivors aged 7-17 to attend. This time at Camp is a special time when young burn survivors can just be kids again. There is no one staring, teasing or making fun of them; in fact, there is no special attention paid to their physical appearance at all. They get to meet others who have been through something similar. Campers leave with increased self-confidence and increased self-esteem that gets carried over into the school year.
What’s unique about this Camp is that burn survivors are able to bring a sibling or friend who has also been affected by the burn injury - but not quite in the same way. Perhaps a sibling who spent a lot of time making hospital visits, a cousin who was present for the burn accident, or even a best friend who is the greatest support system against bullying.
The journey from burn patient to burn survivor is a long and painful one. It is sustained by confidence, passion and unparalleled courage. Confronting the challenges imposed by a lifetime of pain and disfigurement is just the beginning for most burn survivors. They must also struggle to heal the emotional and psychological trauma that can be equally painful and overwhelming. Camp offers a unique opportunity for young burn survivors to be kids again. There is no one staring, teasing or making fun of them; in fact, there is no special attention paid to their physical appearance at all. They get to meet others who have been through something similar. Campers leave with increased self-confidence and increased self-esteem that gets carried over into the school year.

Who Will it Benefit?

The Alberta Fire Fighter Burn Camp welcomes 70-80 campers ages 7-17 each year. Campers may be burn survivors or young people who have been affected by a burn injury, such as siblings, other family members and close friends. Campers include young people of all cultures, faiths, backgrounds, experiences, abilities, genders and identities. The Camp itself is located in Bragg Creek, Alberta and welcomes young people from across the province.