Mid Atlantic Burn Camp
Morningside Volunteer Fire Department Commits to Burn Camp
Fire Captain John Lyon
Pictures Below
Several years ago while fighting a fire in Prince George’s County as a Volunteer Firefighter I searched and found two children in a Cottage City home. Unfortunately the two children succumbed to their injuries. While following up on the children’s funeral I was introduced to a nurse that was a volunteer with the Mid Atlantic Burn Camp.
For the past 7 years the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department has covered the expenses for two golf carts for the Mid Atlantic Burn Camp. The camp provides a self-esteem building retreat for adolescents who often struggle for acceptance in their schools and communities. I am one of 5 adult counselors assigned to the oldest group.
The entire time they are there it is just burn survivors so they do not get teased, they don’t get harassed, they don’t get stared at, plus they can show each other children that have been burned, Hey I’ve got the same injuries, but I can do this.
Tiffany was burned at a very young age 95% 3rd degree and is a survivor. With some recent surgeries we were able to get Tiffany in the pool floating for the first time. Tiffany this year went with us on an 11 mile canoe overnight trip. You will see with the pictures below with no fingers she paddled 90% of the way. Even when our canoe tipped over she just laughed at me as I was holding her. Tiffany went on a horse trail ride, does not seam like a big deal but with no fingers and not able to put her feet in the stirrups it is a big deal.
We took the older kids caving, everyone was covered with mud. We rigged a system and took Tiffany into the cave. She sat on my lap as we slid down into the cave due to the slippery surface and she not able to hold on to anything we got to the bottom and she got right in the middle of the mud fight.
The Mid Atlantic Burn Camp survives solely on funding through organizations, corporations and individuals. Some organizations provide busses, and materials: some provide food, and money, while others offer their time.
The mission of the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp is to assist young burn survivors from the Mid Atlantic region and their families in their adjustment to injury by providing and annual therapeutic residential summer camp and other year round activities that support their physical, psychological and social needs.
A couple of years ago while operating on a Row House fire as a volunteer with the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department another Firefighter and I searched and rescued two children on the 2nd floor. Sadly one of the children succumb to the injures but one of the children survived and because of this camp has a place to go once a year to just be a child and have fun.
I have received medals and awards for rescues during my career but this camp is the highlight of my career as a NDW Fire Inspector or as a Volunteer. This is the best thing that these kids will do all year. We know each child in our group as a parent. All of the counselors arrive three days early to get the camp ready, train new counselors, review the case file on each child of what happen, and any medications.
Many of the injuries are not accidents, and when we read what happen to each child you just break down. We are with our kids 24 hours a day we do everything together. It is unbelievable how emotionally attached you and the kids become in a weeks time.
The pictures show the happiness in the children and also show why we get so attached to them.
I said this was the highlight of my career-it is also the low point because we do have to say good-bye at the end of the week. The night before the kid’s head home is the worst time. Everyone gets upset-there is not a dry eye in camp, I am including the counselors. I am 43 years old and I get upset right along with my kids-To my kids: I Miss you Guys
Tiffany and I in the Pool a first for Tiffany
Shaun is a very young burn survivor. His injuries are similar to Tiffany but he is able to walk.
Shaun has been coming to camp since my first year.
Tiffany and I at the Rope course Eating our lunch during the 11 mile canoe trip
During the canoe trip-Shantere, Tiffany and I
One last picture before heading home
Robert on the wall-Robert is burned as badly as Tiffany.
Robert also has no fingers but wedge his hand into the cracks
After Rock climbing on a 70’ wall
