– Photos courtesy of LFD
The Lebanon Fire Department announced that a member of the department volunteered as a camp counselor for the annual Hoosier Burn Camp that supports Hoosiers who have experienced the physical and mental effects of burn-related injuries.
During the Hoosier Burn Camp, Boone County Professional Firefighters Association Local 5195 in Zionsville and Lebanon Fire Department Lt. Sam Dougherty volunteered as a camp counselor for his 12th year with the organization and his 10th year as a counselor for the annual summer camp.
This year held the theme of Survivor as the campers were tasked with numerous activities and games centered around the reality television show, which included wilderness survival skills, fire craft and obstacle and relay races.
“Hoosier Burn Camp is an organization full of many program opportunities year round for burn survivors from infants up to young adults, all made possible by donors and free to campers and their families,” the Lebanon Fire Department released. “Sam’s favorite part of volunteering with HBC is being able to interact with the burn survivors and help create fun, positive memories.”
In May, the the Delphi Fire Department led the way during the firetruck parade for the annual Hoosier Burn Camp visitor’s day at the YMCA at Camp Tecumseh to celebrate alongside the participants of the Burn Camp and their families and commemorate the efforts of the volunteers, such as Dougherty.
The Delphi Fire Department joined departments from across the state to lead the parade to celebrate the work completed by the organization. The Hoosier Burn Camp is a nonprofit organization committed to providing life-changing experiences for youth who have experienced the physical and emotional trauma associated with a severe burn injury. The 26th Annual Hoosier Burn Camp Summer Camp concludes today, May 31 after spanning the week beginning May 26.
The visitor’s day celebrations are held on the Wednesday prior to the end of camp, and this year saw the day filled with visitors on May 29 who attended the celebrations to witness the magic of the Hoosier Burn Camp with a day of fun, food and games alongside the parade.
During the annual visitor’s day, the guests arrive around 10 a.m. with the parade kicking off at 10:45 a.m., which was led by the Delphi Fire Department this year. Following the parade, opening ceremonies kicked off at 11 am. while kid and guest activities were ongoing from 10 am. to 2 p.m. Check presentations were held after lunch at 12:20 p.m. before the visitors bid farewell to the campers at 2 p.m. or stayed for additional tours of the camp.
This year saw activities including a 60-yard zipline across the lake, a military aircraft and lifeline helicopter presentation, a motorcycle parade from chapters across Indiana, an appearance by Blue from the Indianapolis Colts, a meet-and-greet with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff Department SWAT and bomb squad, access to Lions Club ice cream, a presentation by former Indianapolis Colt Jeff Saturday, access to sweet treats from the Delphi Dairy Queen and much more.
Upcoming events for the organization include a Young Adult Outing on June 15 and a Summer Teen Adventure Trip to Dude Ranch from June 29 to July 3.
For more information about the organization and upcoming events, visit hoosierburncamp.org.
