CAMP CONNECTION
ISSUE 3 * VOL. 3 | APRIL 2023
BURN CAMP NEWS AND UPDATES
Winter Camp 2023 Wrap Up
Winter Camp 2023 was a huge success! We welcomed 23 campers and 11 staff as we relaunched Winter Camp after a hiatus of several years due to the pandemic. We had a fantastic week in Steamboat! The campers were able to enjoy wonderful fresh snow, receive incredible instruction from the Steamboat Ski and Snowboard School, share plenty of laughs with friends, and create priceless memories.

Campers are challenged to translate their experiences on the slopes into real-life lessons to take back with them after the skis and boards have been returned. Our evenings were spent working on an introspective program which offered both campers and counselors the opportunity to learn more about themselves. Our theme was entitled “Grounded for Greatness.” We used the visual metaphor of an oak tree to help us recognize our unique qualities and traits that give us strength and provide opportunities for growth. Recognizing each persons’ unique traits and qualities can help us navigate challenging obstacles and reflect on the gifts you have to share with others.
BCER A-Basin Fire Hose Race Raises $25,000!
The 16th annual Fire Hose Race was held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Arapahoe Basin. Hosted by BCER, corporations and fire departments from across Colorado team up to participate in a unique slalom-style event. Teams of five race down a 15-gate slalom course while holding on to 50 feet of fire hose. And you can't miss them - all participants must dress in bunker gear including a firefighter jacket and helmet! This year’s event raised $25,000! With this donation, the event has raised over $200,000 for the Burn Camps Program! We are incredibly thankful to BCER for once again hosting the event and to all the sponsors and participants.
Join Us For The 2023 Courage Classic
Founded in 1990, the Courage Classic is the single largest event bringing people together to raise money for Children’s Colorado. Families are not only welcome but encouraged to join us for the weekend. S’more Courage is a group of dedicated volunteers raising money by hitting the road for two days of cycling over picturesque Rocky Mountain passes. This year’s tour has something for everyone with seven route options from virtual to 81 miles through the beautiful Rocky Mountains, starting and ending in Copper Mountain. Whether you ride, fundraise, donate, volunteer, or sponsor the Courage Classic, your support helps provide lifesaving care for children at the region’s only nonprofit pediatric hospital.

The Courage Classic returns to Copper Mountain for a two-day ride, July 15-16, 2023. Our goal is to raise $25,000 in 2023. We hope you’ll join us to support burn survivors on their journey to recovery.

Please visit our team page and click on “Join Team” or “Donate Now.” We are looking for S’more riders and donations!
40th Celebration
In 2023, the Children’s Hospital Colorado Burn Camps Program is celebrating its 40th year! As an American Camping Association accredited camp program, we provide healing with a world class medical staff, professional camp staff, and dedicated community partners. We empower our campers and families to thrive through challenges in a safe and nurturing environment. Campers engage in intentional activities including, horseback riding, arts and crafts, rock climbing, games, and swimming. These curated activities encourage boundless creativity, self-expression, newfound courage, adventure, and create a positive self-image, all while making life-long friendships. Our campers play with purpose and start to discover who they are as people. They learn that their scars are part of them not defining who they are and begin to heal from the inside out.

All our camp programs are provided to families at no cost to them. Our cost to provide this experience to our campers is $1,650 per camper and our goal is to raise $250,000 through this year’s event. Please consider helping us achieve this goal by offering your support by donating an item or an experience to our live or silent auctions. The evening will include a delicious culinary experience and includes cocktail reception, dinner, post-party, silent and live auctions, and inspirational program. For the silent auction, we’ll be using the same online and mobile bidding platform as in years past, Give Smart.

40th Celebration
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Denver Center For The Performing Arts | Seawell Ballroom

Stay in touch! Click here to be kept in the loop on event updates. We hope you’ll join us for a fun evening filled with friends, food, libations, auction, and the power of camp!
2022 Program Updates
Family Camp | June 9 – 14, 2023 | YMCA of the Rockies | Estes Park
Recovering from a burn injury often goes beyond the burn and includes emotional healing for parents and siblings as well. Family Camp provides an opportunity for families to share their stories and live together in a supported environment while learning and growing with each other.

Summer Camp | August 14 – 20, 2023 | Cheley Colorado Camps | Estes Park
Children’s Hospital Colorado partners with Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park, Colorado for this week-long summer camp adventure for children nationwide between the ages of 8-18. By providing an enriched camp experience, anchored in the Cheley philosophy of fostering genuine character and belief in the ability of young men and women to act spontaneously in the right, the program creates the opportunity for burn survivors to share their stories and push themselves beyond what they thought was possible.