Camp BUCKO’s Residential Camp
Our 6 day residential summer camp is intended to provide a fun-filled, adventure packed week for children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have sustained a burn injury. Special group activities allow all campers to come together in a supportive environment and learn there is more to who they are than just their scars. Whether the burn was 10 years ago or 6 months ago, you are welcome to attend Camp BUCKO!
Through the generous support of the firefighting community, service clubs, corporations and individuals throughout Ontario, Camp BUCKO is offered to our campers at no cost. We also provide transportation to and from camp to make it easier for each child to attend. Fun, excitement, new friends….these are a few things Camp BUCKO can offer to the young burn survivors of Ontario. We invite all young burn survivor and previous campers to contact us if you may be interested in attending our one week residential camp.
Camp BUCKO will be hosted by Cedar Ridge Camp near Bancroft, Ontario. If you would like
to learn more about Cedar Ridge, please visit their website at: www.cedarridgecamp.ca.
Camp BUCKO Camp Exchange
Camp BUCKO’s Exchange Program commenced in 2005 and was originally funded by donations made in memory of Chief Scott Robinson who passed away in 2004. It is our plan to continue this annual exchange with Camp Oo-U- La, sponsored by the Georgia Fire Fighters Burn Foundation located just outside of Atlanta. The campers and chaperone(s) that are selected to represent Camp BUCKO on these exchanges are evaluated for their camp spirit, enthusiasm and compassion. Two campers, of the same gender and similar age, will be selected.
The following points will be considered when selecting a camper:
- A camper`s enthusiasm, participation, camp spirit and compassion for others.
- A camper who may not get the opportunity to travel, within their family life.
The following points will be considered when selecting a chaperone:
- The chaperone will have been a volunteer at camp the previous year (repeat volunteers & VIT graduates will be given priority).
- The chaperone must be at least 25 years old.
- The best candidate will already know one or both of the campers and have demonstrated great camp spirit.
Our 2019 Camp Exchange participants were:
Daniel, Gordie, Al and Benoit
IAFF National Camp
Every year Camp BUCKO is invited to select a camper and chaperone to participate in a week-long event called National Camp, located in Washington, DC. The event is funded by the International Association of Fire Fighters and there is no cost to the camper, chaperone or Camp BUCKO.
This September I had the privilege of attending the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Burn Camp with one of our BUCKO campers Claudia. This weeklong camp in the Washington DC area helps burn survivors from all over the USA and Canada make new friends and build a larger support system and have fun while doing it!
It’s difficult to know where to begin describing it because I had such an amazing experience. The firefighters we met at each firehall welcomed us like family. We visited the Aquarium, Naval Academy, and Smithsonian Museums. We ate very well… the firefighters prepared great meals for us, including BBQs. We also enjoyed eating at restaurants like Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, and Carmine’s. We were treated to an epic boat tour and nighttime Monument tour. We had a blast on carnival day, cooled off swimming, and were challenged on the ropes course. Our feet hurt from all the dancing and we laughed until we cried.
Memories and friendships were made that will last forever. The IAFF Burn Camp was well organized and kept the campers busy and entertained the entire time. Claudia was a joy to be with and I was proud to see how well she represented Camp BUCKO.
My hope is that campers from BUCKO can attend future IAFF Burn Camps and have the experience that Claudia and I were lucky to have. Thank you Camp BUCKO for sending us on this terrific experience. I am sure it is something that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.
Submitted by Nurse / Chaperone Shannon
Our 2019 representatives were:
Camper Claudia and Chaperone Shannon
BUCKO’s Family Camp
In October of 2006 Camp BUCKO held our first Family Camp. It is Camp BUCKO’s mission to provide support for young burn survivors and we recognize how important it is to include their families. Family Camp is an opportunity for families to participate in camp programs similar to those offered during the week of Camp BUCKO. Families also have the opportunity to connect and share stories with other burn survivors and their families. It is an environment that offers support, understanding, growth and fun.
Plans are underway for our next Fall Family Camp at Cedar Ridge Camp.
Camp BUCKO at World Burn
The Phoenix (Society) World Burn Congress is one of the largest annual gatherings of burn survivors, their families/caregivers, fire fighters and healthcare professionals. Recovery from a burn injury is both emotionally and physically painful and Camp BUCKO’s goal is for our campers to learn there is more to who they are than just their scars.
Since 2008 Camp BUCKO has proudly sponsored young adults who have graduated from our Volunteer In Training Program. Workshops, support groups and discussion groups with similar aged burn survivors are offered to assist young adults in the transition from adolescent to adulthood. More recently, Camp BUCKO has expanded our program to sponsor a camper and his/her
family, who is new to the Burn Community.
The 2019 participants were:
Seth, Chase, Sarah, Mary and Patrick
