Posted: 6/4/2018
Camper, counselor travel halfway around the world to attend camp
“A place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life.” In the Choctaw language that’s the meaning of I-Thonka-Chi, which is the name of Parkland Health & Hospital System’s annual camp for children with burn injuries.
For more than a quarter century, children – and adults – have eagerly anticipated the first week of June by attending Parkland’s camp, which welcomes youngsters ages 6 to 18 by providing a place for them to interact with peers who have similar circumstances.
While the majority of campers are used to making the two-hour trek to Camp John Marc near Meridian, Texas, this year two individuals are making a journey of more than 7,444 miles – a nearly 16.5-hour flight – from New Zealand to attend the week-long camp. It’s the launch of a new exchange program between people helping burn survivors in two countries on the opposite sides of the world, united by the dedication of a volunteer with Texas roots.
Spending this week at Parkland’s burn camp is a “dream come true,” says Nick Nielson, a former Dallas resident who now makes his home in Auckland. “I can finally participate at Camp I-Thonka-Chi as a counselor.”
Nielson first got involved with Parkland’s camp through his former employer Southwest Airlineswhen he volunteered with his co-workers helping kids heading to burn camp check-in at the airline’s Love Field headquarters. But he was never able to take time to spend the entire week serving as a camp counselor. It wasn’t until he left the Lone Star State to move to New Zealand in 2015 that he realized the profound impact that Camp I-Thonka-Chi had on his life.
“I was so moved by the kids and counselors I met through volunteering with Camp-I-Thonka that after I moved to New Zealand, I wanted to get back into supporting burn survivors, which was so near to my heart in Dallas,” he said. Nielson contacted the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust of New Zealand with the lone intent of volunteering at that organization’s Camp Awhi, but after meeting the group and seeing first-hand what they do for burn survivor support, he joined the Charity’s Board and is now a trustee as well.
“Camp I-Thonka-Chi is what started it all for me and they are a shining example of what can be organized for children who are burn survivors,” Nielson said. “Since joining the Board in New Zealand it has been a dream of mine to share with them and our kids the camp that made me care so much for burn survivors in the first place. I am positive the kids of Camp I-Thonka-Chi will be accepting of their new-found far off friend and build lifetime bonds with kids from New Zealand.”
Joining him will be a young burn survivor, Brayden, who is “a leader at our camp and is ecstatic for the opportunity to be a part of Camp I-Thonka-Chi,” Nielson said. “One thing I have learned being a part of both camps, is kids are kids, no matter from New Zealand or Dallas and its comforting to know that even kids from a different country share the same struggles and accomplishments with the same challenges.”
During the weeklong event campers build lifelong friendships, improve social skills and “simply have fun without being self-conscious of their scars or injuries,” said Donna Crump, PT, DPT, camp co-founder and director. “It’s a place where the kids can be, well, kids.” Crump said it’s gratifying to know that thanks to Nielsen and Brayden’s visit, Parkland’s camp program will help youth on the other side of the world.
Unlike some charity programs, Camp I-Thonka-Chi 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 also helps with fundraising so more children can attend. This year, some 65 youngsters will attend including 11 first-time campers. And, according to Crump, three teens will be “graduating” from camp. Travel and camp expenses for Nielson and Brayden is being paid for by the Charitable Trust in New Zealand.
Parkland’s pediatric burn center is the fourth busiest center in the United States. In 2017, more than 230 children required admission to Parkland for specialized treatments such as hydrotherapy, skin grafting and rehabilitative therapy. Established in 1962, the Parkland Burn Center is one of only 62 verified burn centers in North America and the only one in North Texas.
For more information on Camp I-Thonka-Chi or to make a donation, please visit Parkland Burn Camp. For more information on services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.com