Camp Beyond The Scars is a FREE camp available to young burn survivors.

For one week this summer, August 6-13, 2006, more than 50 children with severe burn injuries will have a chance to do what kids do best - have fun and make friends.

The Burn Institute's Camp Beyond The Scars is specifically designed for burn-injured children. This camp provides the tools and a supportive  environment where children can learn how to deal with the emotional and physical hardships they face as a result of their burn injury. Being amongst other burn burn survivors and caring counselors helps young burn survivors build their self-esteem and improve coping skills. For many children, the week-long camp is the first time they have seen another child with burn injuries. Throughout the week, campers enjoy participating in many activities such as swimming, rock-wall climbing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, making balloon animals, face painting, bike riding, and more.

Camp Beyond The Scars, established in 1987, is one of the Burn Institute's most sucessful burn survivor support programs. This year's summer camp will be held at Camp Cuyamaca, 12561 Highway 79 in Descanso.

"When children experience a burn injury they tend to isolate themselves from their peers, fearing refjection," said Burn Institute Executive Director James Floros. This special camp provides the opportunity for burn-injured children to make new friends and learn new coping skills in a fun supportive, atmosphere," said Floros.

Many of the camp's cousnelors are off-duty firefighters and adult burn survivors who volunteer their time for an entire week. "I enjoy spending time with these children, because I know firsthand what they're going through," said Camp Director and San Diego Fire Captain Arnell Garcia, a burn surivor who was injured in the line of duty.

The Burn Institute is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego and Imperial counties. Founded in 1972, one of the Institute's first accomplishments was to help establish the area's first and only regional burn center. Today, the Burn Institute continues to: reach thousands of children and adults each year with lifesaving fire and burn prevention education; fund vital burn research and treatment; and conduct burn survivor support programs that help children and adults cope with the devasting psychological and physical effects of their injuries.

August 6-13, 2006