Child burn survivors find community at Champ Camp in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Local fire and police departments went head-to-head at Champ Camp in Wonder Valley Wednesday.

The annual chili cook-off celebrates all the organizations that donate to keep the camp free.

“This environment brings them to where they get to be around another 100-plus kids that have experienced what they’ve experienced,” Camp Director Chris Bridger said.

Every year, the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation hosts the camp for severe burn survivors.

“It costs about $1,000 to send a kid to camp, and it’s 100% free to the families. It does not cost them a penny,” Bridger said.

Bridger says winning the cook-off is a bit of an ego boost.

“You know, we say, ‘aw, it’s just a chili cook-off. No big deal.’ But, you know, fire departments are a little competitive, right? So we want to win, and whoever wins has to jump in the lake,” Bridger said.

However, he says just getting to feed hungry campers some delicious chili is reason enough to celebrate.

Wonder Valley CEO Mike Berg says the camp changes lives every year.

“[Campers] need a place to just let down. They need a place to be themselves. They need a place where they can be comfortable,” Berg said.

Counselors in Training (CITs) like “Goldie” and “Coast” grew up spending parts of their summers there.

“I’m wanted and I have a place here,” Goldie said.

Now, they get to sew into the next generation of survivors.

“I feel like listening to their stories has made me a lot more proud of myself and proud of what I’ve become and how I’ve gotten through,” Coast said.

They say burn survivors can carry deep emotional and physical scars.

At Champ Camp, they get one week where no one stares or asks questions – one week they’re not alone.

“Because of this foundation, because of this camp, it makes me realize just how much my story has affected my life and how I wouldn’t change it for a single thing,” Coast said.

The camp is heavily dependent on donations and volunteers. They say community members can help send kids to camp by donating at AARBF.org.