ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - This past week, four members of the Orange Beach Fire Department and Surf Rescue attended the Alabama Children’s Burn Camp (Camp Conquest) located at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. 

What started out as a request for lifeguard support turned out to be so much more. Children suffering from traumatic burns from all over the south came together during the week to have fun while being comfortable in their own skin.

Children were able to participate in activities such as boating, swimming, skits, and other activities without the fear of feeling different. 

“It was truly amazing and absolutely a God thing," Orange Beach Fire Chief Shane Phillips.  Each camper was assigned to a counselor to ensure their every need was met.

“We were requested by Lt. Rodger Cofer of the Hoover Fire Department to serve as counselors as well as assist in protecting the waters the children played in,” Phillips said. “We really did not know what we were getting in to or what we would see. To be honest, I was not really sure why there was as specific need for a burn camp but once we arrived it became very clear.

"One of the first activities was karaoke.  When I saw one of the children get up in front of everyone and sing, it hit me that these kids had no fear of feeling different. They were truly at a comfort level where no one would stare or ask why they look the way they did.” 

Surf Rescue’s Robert Simpson, Brad Roy, Fire/Medic Jarrod Smith and Chief Shane Phillips attended the Camp Conquest June 16-20.

 “Some of the children were burned so badly it just made you melt but to see them smile and participate without limitations was simply amazing,” Phillips said.  “This is something we hope to be a part of for a long time to come, it’s too good not to be.” 

ABOUT CAMP CONQUEST

From ChildrensAL.org: 

An annual event since 2000, Camp Conquest is a camp especially designed to respond to the needs of pediatric burn survivors.  Camp Conquest is a four-day camp held on the Lake Martin campus of Children's Harbor each summer.  Camp Conquest is offered at no cost to children between the ages of 6-16 who had been admitted to our Burn Center during the previous year. 

Each summer, approximately 40-60 children who are all dealing with the emotional and physical consequences of being severely burned enjoy spending several days at camp with other children who have experienced similar difficulties. 

Nurses, therapist, firefighters and others volunteer to help with our Burn Camp.  The program includes teambuilding activities such as the ropes course and many water related activities such as canoeing, boating, swimming and fishing. 

Activities are intended to improve self esteem, confidence, physical abilities and range of motion.  In addition, our campers establish friendships and network with other burned children, and leave camp with an improved sense of overall well-being. 

For more information on Camp Conquest, please call the Children's of Alabama Burn Center at205.638.9398, or email us at campconquest@childrensal.org   

Camp Conquest is funded entirely by donations to our Burn Center.