FRESNO (KMJ) — A week-long summer camp for young burn survivors is taking place this week in the Central Valley.
More than 140 kids, from all over the state, are attending Champ Camp at the Wonder Valley Ranch in Sanger.
“They’ve spent an amazing amount time in hospital, so this camp really allows them to get back onto some sort of normal routine,” explains fundraiser and Clovis Fire Captain Chris Bridger.
The gathering, now in its 32nd year, is organized by the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. It’s designed for those aged between 5 and 17, to give them a safe space away from the looks they get due to their scars.
“To be around a lot of other kids who have suffered burn injuries and gone through what they’ve been through,” adds Captain Bridger.
Activities at the Champ Camp include go-cart races, white water rafting, swimming, fishing, and the annual chili cook-off put together by local fire-departments.
“So we’re a statewide non-profit,” reveals Captain Bridger. “So all of our money comes from donors and through fundraising. We have a relationship with fire departments up and down the state. The only way we’re able to do what we do is through fundraising.”
The summer camp is free for the young people who attend it. It started on June 10th and will run until this coming Saturday June 17th. More than 2,000 children have attended it since its inception in 1985.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
