There are many kids in our community that are burn survivors and have a really hard time integrating due to severe scaring and trauma.

 Many of these families have spent so much time and money on their child’s healing process that it is difficult (often financially) for them to send their child to a summer camp.

We are looking to raise enough money to support 2 campers this summer at Camp BUCKO.

Camp BUCKO

Camp BUCKO (BUrn Camp for Kids in Ontario) is a camp open to burn survivors between the ages of 7-17. The camp has grown to over 70 children attending the week long camp at in August. There is no cost for the families to have their child involved with the BUCKO Program, Camp BUCKO relies solely on donations; in order to offer this program to the young burn survivors of Ontario.

Camp BUCKO provides an opportunity for children recovering from burn injuries to meet other children who share similar feelings and experiences in a camp environment. Camp gives these children temporary freedom from the everyday frustrations of being burned, a chance to share their stories and to bond with each other. Most of all, camp is a place to have fun and learn new things. It is a benefit for children in these circumstances to attend a program such as this to build self-esteem to cope with life beyond their burn injury.

Camp BUCKO Mission Statement

Camp BUCKO is a fun, safe and caring camp program free to kids ages 7 to 17 with burn injuries. Our residential setting encourages campers to participate in a variety of social, recreational and therapeutic activities that promote self-esteem, the development of leadership skills and fosters personal growth. At Camp BUCKO, kids have a place where they can be themselves without feeling different or alone.

Camp Aims and Goals 

• to have a fun filled outdoor adventure
• to create a sense of community by providing a place where campers can learn about themselves and others with similar experiences
• to introduce campers to dynamic role models by including adult burn survivors as Camp BUCKO volunteers
• to promote each child’s unique abilities and strengths as steps in enhancing self-acceptance
• to promote opportunities to learn about working in groups as well as in one-on-one interactions among peers.

Camp BUCKO Programs

Camp BUCKO currently provides the following programs for pediatric burn survivors:

• Residential Camp Week
• A camp program for children ages 7-17, and offers many social, recreational and therapeutic activities. Camp BUCKO hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, water bottles towels and a camp DVD are provided
  • Buses are provided for camper’s travel – four pick up/drop off locations in Ontario
• Volunteer In Training Program
  • A 3 year leadership camp for burn survivors 18 – 20 years of age
• Family Camp
  • A weekend camp for our campers and their immediate families – held every September.  Activities include boating, climbing wall, other outdoor sports and information sessions concerning burn recovery.
• Education Day partnered with Sick Children’s Hospital
  • A daylong event for families of burn injured children offering education for the parents/guardians and fun activities for the children.
• Family Skate Day.
  • A one day social event for our campers/volunteers and their families.  Activities include skating, lunch, guest speakers, and games
• Participate in a Camp Exchange with an American Burn Camp
  • Participants include 2 campers and 1 volunteer
• Attend World Burn Congress
  • One burn survivor and his/her immediate family members are sponsored to attend the World Burn Congress
  • Graduates of the Volunteer In Training Program are sponsored to attend the World Burn Congress
• Participates in the IAFF Conference
  • Annual conference in Washington for 1 camper and 1 fire fighter
  • Sponsored by the IAFF
• Orientation Weekend for Volunteers
  • Annual training program for all BUCKO volunteers
• Provide resource material
  • Camp BUCKO material is shared with the families of burn survivors, the medical community and/or the general public
• Attend events to promote Camp BUCKO