Posted: 6/1/2015
Annual camp for kids with burn injuries takes place May 30 – June 5
For more than two decades, children have eagerly anticipated the first week of June and attending Parkland’s annual camp for children with burn injuries. Camp I-Thonka-Chi, which is Choctaw for “a place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life,” held at Camp John Marc near Meridian, Texas, has hosted hundreds of children and teens since its inception and provided a place for them to interact with peers who have experienced similar circumstances.
But it’s not just the children who look forward to the week-long camp. Adults become kids at heart as they too participate in horseback riding, canoeing, swimming and archery, among other activities that last from dawn to dusk.
This week Clare Card, a Parkland burn nurse, is marking her 15th trip to Camp I-Thonka-Chi. She joins more than 50 children who are taking part in the week-long camp free from stares that often accompany their injuries. In addition, nine former campers and four adult burn survivors have returned to serve as counselors and mentors to their young counterparts. Firefighters, burn nurses and others serve as camp counselors.
“Camp is an amazing place because everyone can be a normal kid,” Card said as she wiped away a tear. “It’s not about scars or stares, it’s about being a kid at camp.”
Card, who chairs the camp’s arts and crafts program, said she has seen some life-long friendships forged and witnessed first-hand the strength and resiliency of the children.
“There have been times when I didn’t think someone could do one of the projects because of their injuries, but they did and it was beautiful,” she said. “And what made it even more special is as the group sat around the table making projects it became an informal therapy session with the kids helping each other. As they were talking about their feelings, they were making bracelets for their friends – just like any other kid.”
Donna Crump, Parkland physical therapy manager and co-founder and director of Camp I-Thonka-Chi, echoes Card’s sentiment.
“We’ve had kids who cried the entire way to camp because they just didn’t want to be there,” Crump recalled with a smile, “and they were the same ones who cried when it was time to get on the bus when camp was over. It’s really hard to describe the impact that Camp I-Thonka-Chi makes on you emotionally and spiritually. It’s something that lasts a lifetime.”
Camp I-Thonka-Chi, which is for children ages 6 to 18, is unlike some other charity programs – it is not supported by a national organization. Children can attend for free thanks to the generous donations of Parkland employees and area donors. Camp John Marc, which hosts the annual event, also helps with fund-raising so more children can attend. During the weeklong event campers build friendships, improve social skills and simply have fun without being self-conscious of their scars or injuries.
Internationally recognized, the Parkland Regional Burn Center is one of the premier burn treatment facilities in the nation, serving a geographic area of more than 100,000 square miles, including North and East Texas and southern Oklahoma. Parkland admits over 650 patients of all ages with serious burn injuries annually and treats more than 1,200 outpatients.
Learn more about Camp I-Thonka-Chi or to make a donation for Parkland Burn Camp.