On August 13,2009. Dave Thomson, his wife Anne, my husband Dave and I attended Camp Bucko appreciation day. After seeing

the camp in 2006 I wanted to see how much had changed since then.

The Camp is just like any other summer camp you 'd send your kids to. Set in a picturesque setting overlooking the water, it is a place where you could lose yourself in thought. The only  difference  is that this camp deals with the needs of children that have been burned. Dealing with their physical and emotional injuries is a daily challenge, says Director of Operations Nancy Sinclair.

Sinclair said that when a camper that has been to the camp as a young child has now reached the age that appearances start to matter to them as a preteen/teenager, it's like starting all over with them. They are starting to feel a different type of peer pressure, and this is the one place where looks do not matter at all.

Talking with the kids I asked them what they would like to have at the camp. They all said more time there this is our “little piece of

heaven”. One week with the kids is not enough time to deal with their needs.

The kids feel safe at the camp, where they can be themselves and not worry about how they look. They are a group of kids that have a special bond with each other, much like the firefighters who graciously support the camp, their bond is strong - friends for life.

We all felt that emotion when we talked with the kids - that this was there special place.You could see it in their eyes when they talked about the camp. And we were honoured that they shared  it with us.

This camp is surrounded with love, there's a magic about it. When I left the camp I felt warm and fuzzy all over, the same feeling I had in 2006, knowing that the donations that we raise for Camp Bucko are making a difference in these young childrens' lives, and in their future in becoming well rounded adults in the future.  Raising money for this camp is and will be a benefit to these children now and in their future.

There is a pilot program that Nancy Sinclair wants to start with families with younger children age 3 to 5 to help parents deal with the special needs of toddlers. If this program can be started, it will better prepare the parents and their children for becoming future  campers.

We, and the campers, are grateful for the support of all firefighters and also to the many sponsors who donate either directly to the camp, or to the various Associations, such as the FFAO, so that they can continue to raise funds through various raffles.  Also our thanks to all those of you who have donated cash and Canadian Tire money for the needs of the campers.

OAFC Ladies Auxiliary

Linda Carruthers