Culver's, Lake Zurich FD, Isaac Fox School Collect Over $1,600 for Kids Burn Camp
On May 18, Culver's of Lake Zurich owner Steve Anichini and son, Dean, met with students and teachers at Isaac Fox Elementary School for what has now become an annual check presentation ceremony to mark the Camp "I Am Me" fundraiser.
Each year, Culver's, along with the Lake Zurich Fire Department and students at Isaac Fox School, help collect money for a special and unforgettable one-week camp experience for children and teenagers who have experienced injuries from burns. This year the group collected $1,631.30 for the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.
Through the generosity of donors, supporters and volunteers, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance offers this camping opportunity at no cost to campers, including lodging, meals, activities, and transportation to and from camp, YMCA Camp Duncan in Ingleside.
"No other IFSA program has received greater attention from the fire service, medical community, general public than Camp 'I Am Me,'" Anichini said.
"Camp provides the setting for child burn survivors to share their common experiences while being able to play and not feel self-conscious about their scars. Culver's of Lake Zurich is proud to support such a worthy cause."
Campers participate in a variety of adult-supervised, group, age-appropriate activities that provide fun and challenging opportunities for positive outcomes with other burn survivors.
The goal of Camp "I Am Me" is to provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere in which children and adolescents have the opportunity to build their self-esteem while establishing lifelong friendships and positive memories.
Camp "I Am Me" provides young burn survivors an opportunity to effectively talk to other survivors about their injuries to help them in their approach to life.
In addition to YMCA counselors, Camp "I Am Me" is staffed by volunteers including many doctors, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, fire service personnel, teachers and other professionals.
The qualified staff participates in various professional development and orientation sessions designed to prepare them to deal with the specific needs of burn survivors as well as to build a cohesive team. This highly dedicated group of volunteers results in a nearly 1:1 counselor-to-camper ratio.
For more information, visit www.ifsa.org/programs/camp.
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