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.
