July 2026 Burn Bulletin

Tickets are on sale NOW for the 16th Annual Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation Dinner & Dance on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. We are offering an Early Bird discount on our Ticket packages: Group Tables and Sponsorship Packages. These discounts will end on July 31st, so purchase your tickets today. 

Purchase through our event site: https://givebutter.com/2026DD

If you are a local business and would like to sponsor a table or donate an item to our Silent or Live Auction, please get in touch with Katrina at karthur@aarbf.org or call 559-286-0710 ext 110.

On June 5th, AARBF’s Associate Director, Katrina, was honored to present during the Fresno City College Fire Academy graduation for Class 65. Over the course of the semester, Class 65 hosted car washes and an open house, worked with their community to raise funds, and trained for the Fresno Urban Run. The cadets raised $10,219 (half the $20,459 total). Their dedication to supporting AARBF and the burn survivor community will follow these aspiring firefighters throughout their careers, and we look forward to watching them succeed. Congratulations, Class 65! 

From June 6–13, 2026, the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation welcomed 113 young burn survivors to Wonder Valley Ranch in Sanger, California for another unforgettable week at Champ Camp. This year’s theme was Legends, and campers and volunteers fully embraced it all week long. Throughout the week, campers had the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence, create lifelong friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime in a supportive environment.

With the support of more than 70 dedicated volunteers, Champ Camp came to life through the incredible efforts of our program staff, counselors, medical team, wellness team, logistics crew, arts and crafts volunteers, and chaperones. Their dedication helped create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every camper was encouraged to try something new, build confidence, and simply enjoy being a kid.

Campers stayed busy all week with activities including the ropes course, go karts, mini bikes, horseback riding, riflery, BB guns, archery, arts and crafts, Gaga Ball, fishing, and swimming at both the pool and Atlantis. Evening activities brought everyone together for paintball, a scavenger hunt, karaoke, a bonfire with songs, visits from Reptile Friends, a camp wide dance, and many other special moments that strengthened friendships and created lasting memories.

One of the highlights of the week was the Senior Outcamp for campers ages 14 through 17. From Monday to Tuesday, this group traveled to beautiful Shaver Lake for an overnight adventure. Campers spent Monday out on the lake boating, riding jet skis, swimming, and enjoying time together before ending the evening around a bonfire with campfire songs. The overnight experience gave our older campers the opportunity to build independence, strengthen friendships, and make memories together in a beautiful setting.

Another highlight of the week was our annual camp wide trip to “The Library,” better known as Wild Water Adventure Park, on Thursday. Campers and volunteers spent the entire day enjoying the water slides, wave pool, and attractions throughout the park. It was a day full of laughter, excitement, and connection as campers encouraged one another, tried new things, and made even more unforgettable memories together. It also gave campers the opportunity to be out in the community while surrounded by a strong support system.

Camp traditions continue to be some of the most meaningful moments of the week. We kicked off and ended camp with our opening and closing campfires, where campers and volunteers came together to sing camp songs, enjoy skits, and hear inspiring stories. Every evening before dinner, everyone gathered for flagpole dressed in the day’s theme. From legendary heroes to legends of the sea and everything in between, campers and volunteers fully embraced each theme, making every day even more fun.

Champ Camp continues to be so much more than a summer camp. It is a place where young burn survivors can just be kids, surrounded by others who understand their journey. It is a place where confidence grows, friendships are formed, and campers leave knowing they are never alone.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, staff, medical team, donors, and supporters who continue to make this life changing experience possible year after year.

We are grateful to every camper, family member, volunteer, and supporter who helped make Champ Camp 2026 such a meaningful and successful week. We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next summer for another incredible week at Champ Camp.

Champ Camp got underway with so much excitement, and on Sunday night, our CIT (Counselors in Training) leadership group (graduated campers ages 18-20 who hope to go on and become camp counselors) had the opportunity to jump on a camp bus to Clovis for teambuilding and fun with our friends at Unlock Escape Rooms. The group split up to find their way out of an Alice in Wonderland/White Rabbit adventure, Harry Potter Potions class, and Jurassic Laboratories. Thank you to Unlock Escape Rooms for taking care of our superstar CITs.

The fun continued with a stop at “Soups, Scoops & More” vintage ice cream shop, where the group got sugared up and entertained with songs from the fabulous hosts.

On Monday, June 22nd, AARBF was honored to receive support from the Greater Bay Area Chapter of the ASFA at their annual golf tournament. Survivors Christina, Leif, Tre, and Mike joined golfers from across the Bay Area in Hayward for the Annual Golf Tournament, teeing off for a day on the green. AARBF’s Director, Katrina, and the team of survivors accepted a generous donation from the Chapter.  We look forward to growing our partnership in support of burn survivors and fire and burn prevention.  

Karyn joined the burn community three years ago, and since then she has become an incredible part of AARBF. From volunteering at our Southern CA golf tournaments and holiday parties to supporting others through our SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program, she shows up with compassion and purpose.

“AARBF has given me meaningful healing opportunities — including a scholarship to attend the World Burn Congress, plus retreats and support groups that have supported my healing journey.”

Now married and working at a nonprofit, Karyn is passionate about giving back and offering hope to others facing similar challenges. We are grateful for you, Karyn. Thank you for your compassion and dedication to our burn foundation and the burn community.  

Join us in celebrating Karyn — a remarkable burn survivor and amazing volunteer.

The Friends of Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF’s Alumni Association) is having a Family Social Day on August 22, 2026, and you’re invited.

Bring your family and spend the day reconnecting with camp friends, meeting new faces, sharing laughs, and enjoying time together with the burn community.

Food and drinks will be generously provided by Fresno Firefighters Local 202.

Please register here: https://forms.gle/wdmhpyrSJFEPbZjA6 by August 15, 2026. We hope to see you there.