Hoosier Burn Camp (HBC) is a non-profit organization for young burn survivors.

The camp takes place in the last week of May of each year.

The camp motto is "A place where a kid can just be a kid". The camp takes place at Camp Tecumseh near Brookston, Indiana (northeast of Lafayette) every year during the last week of May. Kids, ages 8-18, who have suffered a burn injury, can find common ground with other burn survivors there. HBC is completely free of charge and if a child’s parents cannot get them to camp, the local fire departments will help arrange for transportation.

The camp is in a secluded, wooded atmosphere that some kids have never experienced before. While at camp, children can choose several activities in which to participate. These activities include: canoeing, horseback riding, arts & crafts, climbing, group activities, team building, archery and many others. There is never a dull moment or lack of smiles at camp.

Since HBC is free of charge, it relies on donations and fundraising throughout the year. The Carmel Fire Department, Local #4444, the CFD Ladies Auxiliary and the Carmel Police Department have set the bar on fundraising the last few years. This is something we can all be very proud of.

If anyone has any further questions regarding camp, please visit the website at www.hoosierburncamp.org. *

Visitors’ Day at HBC is 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday during the last week of May of each year. Anyone is welcome to come visit. Please notify the above contacts prior to camp.

There will be a parade around the campground with fire trucks and other emergency vehicles from throughout Central Indiana starting around 11:00. After the parade, lunch will be provided with check presentations to follow. Many of the visitors get the chance to interact with the kids and play games while visiting. If you are unsure if you want to come, just ask someone who has been there before. I’m sure they’ll have a heartwarming story to share of their experience.

There will also be a Motorcycle ride on Visitors’ Day. Riders will meet at and leave from the Fountain area in front of the Steven A. Couts Fire Headquarters Station # 41 in Carmel. There is a fee per bike and coffee and donuts have been provided before departure. We will also have a chase vehicle following the bikes to provide assistance if needed. This is a huge event and we hope to have as many bikes participate as possible.

The 2008 Motorcycle Ride will be Wednesday, May 28.

If you are interested in participating and need the departure time and other information, please contact Keith Freer at (317-571-4245), kfreer@carmel.in.gov

Click here to get a copy of the Burn Camp Flyer to share or post in your office or store.