July 2025 Burn Bulletin

Champ Camp celebrated its 40th year from June 7-14,2025. This year’s theme was “Level Up” where we unlocked so many new memories, goals and adventures. It was another unforgettable week where burn survivors came together to laugh, play, heal, and connect.

This year, we welcomed 94 incredible campers, including our amazing counselors-in-training, and the energy, courage, and love they brought was unmatched. From high-flying ropes courses and splashing in the lake, to racing go-karts, riding mini bikes, horseback riding, creating art and playing games, every single day was packed with many adventures and memories. Our senior campers leveled up at out-camp, where they jet skied, wake boarded, tubed, and slept under the stars. We sang loud, hugged often, and celebrated being survivors, and one big Champ Camp family. But do not just take our word for it, here is what our campers had to say:

“I think Champ Camp is great because it makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Knowing everyone went through something that got them here, and it is okay to be different.” -Mia K.

“Champ Camp shows us that having some scars or whatever doesn’t make us weird. We are still normal and we’re not alone. There are other people out there that are the same.” -Jesus V.

“Almost everyone here, me included, say that camp is the highlight of their year, and something we always look forward to. I think the sense of community and belonging someplace is really special for everyone especially those who don’t receive enough support at home. For this reason, we cannot thank you enough for donating to fund sending kids to Champ Camp.” -Elena J.

“The best part of Champ Camp is trying new things, the people, and how everyone is so uplifting, and encouraging everyone to try new things. Not only that but I love meeting other burn survivors, knowing I’m not alone.” – Gemma G.

“I think Champ Camp is important for burn survivors like me because it lets people like us be content, a home away from home, where you meet old friends and have time to connect with new people.”
– Dylan I.

To every camper, CIT, counselor, volunteer, donor and staff member: thank you for making this week a memorable experience. You are the heart and soul of Champ Camp.

For the third year running, the Champ Camp Amazon wish list was completely fulfilled by generous donors. The wish list includes items for arts and crafts, water play, and unit activities. By assisting with direct purchase of these items, you help to extend our financial resources towards larger camp-wide activities such as the seniors out-camp, archery, horseback riding, riding mini bikes, and so much more. Thank you for supporting camp through your wish list purchase.

A favorite Champ Camp tradition is the annual Chili Cook-off. The kids have a great time tasting the chilis and voting for their favorites. This year, Fresno Firefighters retained their title for the second year as the Best Chili. Kings County Fire defended their Best Decorated Booth title, making this the third year in a row. Congratulations to both of our winning teams.

The Chili Cook-off is a highly anticipated event and we appreciate all the work you do to spend the day with us in Wonder Valley. This year’s teams included: Fresno Fire Local 202, Clovis Fire Department, CALFIRE Fresno + Kings, Kingsburg Fire Department, Dinuba Fire Department, Clovis Peace Officers Association, CRMC- Burn Unit, Central Valley FF Credit Union, Friends of Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation Alumni Association, Kings County Fire Department, and Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation.  

The annual Champy-On online fundraiser raised $30,000, which is the equivalent of sending 30 kids to Champ Camp. This year, individuals and teams were able to participate in weekly challenges and earn a discount to the Champ Camp store. Donations of $40 or more were entered into a raffle to win a PlayStation 4 and an Electric Scooter. Two winners were drawn by campers during the Chili Cook-Off and VIP Day. Congratulations to JoAnn Grant and Paul Hanson.

Thank you to our Champy-On Teams and Individuals: AARBF Board and Council, Champ Camp Seniors, Friends of Alisa Ann – Alumni Association, Chop Suey, Feruzi Mwero, Camp Director, Curtis Harper, and Erika Mendoza.

We are thankful for our wonderful partners and sponsors who work all year round to support the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and our survivors by raising funds to help send campers to Champ Camp or sponsor memories like a new backpack or a fun activity during the week. This year we would like to thank Signature Aviation, Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union, Angel Flight, Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, Wind and Fire Motorcycle Club, and the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation. Your support and partnerships are greatly appreciated.

Tickets are now available for AARBF’s 15th Annual Dinner & Dance in Clovis on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Visit our event page at https://givebutter.com/c/2025AARBFDinnerDance for details. Sponsorships are also available.

If you would like to donate to our silent or live auction, please contact Katrina at karthur@aarbf.org.

We invite you to join us for another All Champ Camp Counselor Reunion.

Date:  Saturday August 16, 2025
Time:   2pm-8pm
Location:  Mike “Colonel” Sanders House at 13595 Sycamore Dr. Morgan Hill CA 95037//408-892-0902         
Cost:  $20 per person, spouses and kids are invited – BY 8/5 to Beanie via VENMO@Sandra-Smith-72 or Zelle 650-438-9173
Food: Hamburgers and hot dogs, water and some soft drinks will be provided.

If you plan on attending, please bring some other kinds of food to share with the group.  (Your choice- appetizer, casserole, salad, dessert, or anything else you might want to share with the group).

Theme: “40 Years!” (Sticking with this year’s camp theme and another reason to celebrate each & every one of you!)

Plan on there being group skits, songs, and several other surprises throughout the event. Please wear an old Champ Camp shirt.

There are several hotels in the area if you want to stay in town.

(Colonel has about 8 acres of flat ground if you wish to bring a trailer, motorhome or whatever you want to sleep in. He does not have power, water or dumping facilities.)

 We are in need of several volunteers for this event.  If you would like to help, let us know.

  *  Set Up tables and chairs (Saturday noon)

  *  1-2 Volunteers to BBQ

  *  Sign in with name tags

  *  Clean up

  *  Donations of plates, forks, napkins, ice, condiments

  *   Activity Games Coordinator

RSVP BY August 5th along with your current contact phone and email info.

Questions?  Contact Colonel 408-892-0902, 2c60ms@gmail.com or Beanie 650-438-9173, SandraEZsmith@gmail.com

If you have contact with any past counselors, please feel free to pass this information to us.

Mark your calendar – our friends with Alameda City Fire are hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 27th at Alameda Fire Station #1. We hope to see you there.

Looking for a new challenge? Check out the Hell of a Half Marathon. Held in Exeter in the middle of summer – what more can you ask for? Register today at www.hellofahalf.com.