Camp BUCKO is a fun, safe, and caring camp program free to kids ages 7 to 17 with burn injuries. Our residential setting encourages campers to participate in various social, recreational, and therapeutic activities that promote self-esteem, leadership skills, and personal growth. At Camp BUCKO, campers have a place where they can be themselves without feeling different or alone.
What We Believe
Camp BUCKO provides an opportunity for children recovering from burn injuries to meet others who share similar feelings and experiences. The camp setting offers a welcoming and safe environment, a chance to share stories, and to bond with other burn survivors. Most importantly, camp is a place to have fun and learn new things. This experience helps children build self-esteem and cope with life beyond their burn injury.
What We Do
Our Camp Aims and Goals
- To have a fun-filled outdoor adventure.
- To create a sense of community by providing a place where campers can learn about themselves and others with similar experiences.
- To introduce campers to dynamic role models by including adult burn survivors as Camp BUCKO volunteers.
- To promote each child’s unique abilities and strengths as steps in enhancing self-acceptance.
- To promote opportunities to learn about working in groups and one-on-one interactions among peers.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the key to a successful Camp BUCKO program! They come from all walks of life, including adult burn survivors, firefighters,social workers, teachers, business people, nurses, the military and other adventurous souls who reside in Ontario. Each year, all Camp BUCKO volunteers must complete an application form, submit a recent photo, and obtain a current and clean Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Check. New applicants must provide two positive references and will be interviewed by a Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, sign a contract, and attend a mandatory in-person orientation program in the spring. Volunteers have clearly defined roles and are expected to commit to their role for the entire camp week. Debriefing sessions are held most evenings to discuss the day’s experiences.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is excited about the direction of Camp BUCKO and looks forward to an amazing week at Cedar Ridge Camp. We are dedicated to offering the Camp BUCKO program to the burn community, and your support helps us continue to meet the needs of our young burn survivors.
Introducing our Volunteer Board of Directors
Benoit Rollin: President
Benoit Rollin is a retired Ottawa Fire Service District Chief with 40+ years of service and a veteran volunteer with Camp BUCKO. Benoit continues to keep himself busy by supporting bereaved families while at the same time collaborating with an electrician. Benoit’s many years of volunteering in a variety of areas, such as Habitat for Humanity and Global Village, along with his bilingual French/English language skills will ensure the Camp BUCKO vision continues.
Patrick Hayter: Vice President
Pat Hayter has been a dedicated volunteer for the last 15 years and is continually inspired by our amazing campers. Pat’s enthusiasm and commitment ensures the magic of camp always happens – from an incredible Swag Bag for every camper to the landing of a Chinook helicopter! Pat is an active member of the Professional Firefighting Community with the City of Toronto and a volunteer firefighter with Brooke Township.
Monica Frias Linhares: Secretary and VIT Coordinator
Monica Frias Linhares has been part of the Camp BUCKO family since 2008. Over the years, she has held many roles within the organization including camper, Volunteer-In-Training (VIT), volunteer, and VIT coordinator. Since 2020 Monica has served on Camp BUCKO’s Board of Directors as Secretary, while continuing in her role as VIT Coordinator. As a burn survivor, former camper, and educator, Monica brings a deep understanding of the needs of young burn survivors. She is passionate about Camp BUCKO’s continued growth, and is deeply committed to health, safety, and creating supportive, inclusive environments in all aspects of her work and life.
Richard Lynch: VIT Coordinator
Richard Lynch has been involved with Camp BUCKO for approximately 19 years as a former camper, volunteer in training, volunteer and recently as a member of the Board of Directors. Richard’s role on the Board of Directors involves the VIT (Volunteer-in-Training) program. As a co- VIT coordinator Richard ensures our burn survivors aged 18 – 20 are provided with the skills and training to become successful adults while supporting other members of the burn community.
Heather Leonard: Volunteer Coordinator
Heather Leonard has been involved with Camp BUCKO for the last 21 years as a former camper, volunteer in training, volunteer. Heather for the past few years has been a volunteer coordinator on the Board of Directors, and also shares in the camp social worker duties. Heather brings years of experience and compassion to our camp, as she has earned the designation of a Registered Master’s Social Worker. While being a fellow member of the burn community, Heather is able to support our campers should any issues arise at camp.
Callahan Phillips - Volunteer Coordinator
Having been part of the BUCKO community for seventeen years Callahan brings the experience of a camper, VIT and volunteer to the Board of Directors. His creativity and enthusiasm supports BUCKO’s vision to be a safe and positive family for burn survivors. Callahan has seen camp from every angle, which provides excellent knowledge and perspective on camp life. His desire to achieve the best possible outcome in every aspect of life will be applied directly, to make camp the most memorable experience for the campers, and their families.
Get Involved
Your support is vital to the success of Camp BUCKO. Whether through donations or volunteering your time, you can make a significant difference in the lives of young burn survivors. Help us provide a life-changing experience for these incredible kids. Donate now or apply to join our dedicated team of volunteers. Your contribution, big or small, has a lasting impact. Join us in making a meaningful difference today.
