Miracle Burn Camp began in 1995 as a one-day outing for children treated for burns at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. It grew into a week-long event and moved to Camp Foster on East Lake Okoboji in Iowa. The Burn Treatment Center, which provides care for pediatric patients at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with the St. Florian Fire and Burn Foundation, has sponsored children from Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois to attend camp since 1997.
Camp is free for children ages 8-18 who have experienced a burn injury or other traumatic injury or wound requiring skin grafting.
Miracle Burn Camp is conducted by a staff of professional firefighters, burn survivors, burn care professionals, and YMCA camp experts. These volunteers serve as camp counselors and activity leaders.
Summer camp is a special experience for children. It is an opportunity to become independent from their parents, make new friends, explore different experiences, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Children who attend Miracle Burn Camp at Camp Foster experience the fun of camp and have the opportunity to be themselves in a non-threatening environment. They meet others who have experienced similar feelings, fears, and concerns.
Camp Foster's counselors and volunteer staff direct campers in outdoor programs including:
- Horseback riding
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Sailing
- Archery
- Fishing
- Physical challenges
- Arts and crafts
Miracle Burn Camp Goals:
- Provide a fun summer camp experience in a non-threatening environment for children with burns.
- Provide esteem-building opportunities through physical activity and attainment of personal goals.
- Allow staff and patient interaction away from the intensity of painful procedures at the hospital.
For more information, or to register, visit the St. Florian Fire and Burn Foundation website.