The December 2023 Newsletter of the Texas Burn Survivor Society

Camp Ax

Another Memorable Camp Ax is in the Books.

Whether it was taking a Duck Tour Bus around downtown Austin

and into Lake Austin (intentionally),

or burn tower rappelling at the Austin FD Public Safety Training Campus,

or enjoying our Sunday morning tradition of relaxing yoga,

the campers at Camp Ax experienced another weekend of facing their fears,

learning new skills, and breaking down barriers in a fun and safe setting. 

TBSS and the Hill Country Firefighter Burn Fund

co-host this annual 3-day retreat for teen and young adult survivors. 

It is gratifying to see thriving young people who have aged out of Camp David

relish the opportunity to reunite and rekindle friendships. 

Most of them are in their last year of high school or in college now. 

They make us proud. 

Meet Our New TBSS Board Members:

Earlier this year, TBSS was privileged to add two very qualified members to our Board of Directors. Please welcome Joe Arrington and Shelley Bryant to this

hard-working, dedicated group of people who keep us moving forward.

Joe Arrington 

is the Public Information Officer for the San Antonio Fire Department. He has been attending and participating in our events for many years.  

He has definitely taken the opportunity to be an even more significant part of our mission. Joe and his wife Heather run a non-stop taxi service for their twin teenage daughters, shuttling them from one sport or school event to the next.

Shelley Bryant

was introduced to TBSS through our support group.

She was in a severe accident in which she lost her husband, a little over three years ago. She is a retired nurse and had been looking for a way to give back to the

burn community and continue healing herself.

She found an outlet for both through TBSS.

Shelley gladly spends a substantial part of her life

enjoying her grandchildren, who live nearby.

Joe and one of the twins enjoying our Big Give Pizza Party.

And here's Shelley having fun at our 2023 Texas Burn Community Connect.

SAFETY REMINDER OF THE MONTH:

Holiday Season Safety

Click HERE for resources

If you burn candles indoors, keep them away from children and always extinguish them before you leave the room or go to sleep. Place Christmas trees or seasonal plants at least three feet away from any heat source and turn off any decorative lights prior to leaving your home or going to sleep.

Learn about our state FIRE STATISTICS for 2023 HERE

And click on the photo to watch a great video:

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Golf Tournament

May 3, 2024

Camp David

June 23 - 29, 2024

Third Wednesday of Each Month:

Peer Support Group

Brooks Collegiate Academy

6:00 - 8:00pm

For more info: sdodsontbss@sbcglobal.net

Support Group

Our monthly meeting of the burn survivors peer support group is a wonderful way to connect with fellow burn survivors for general discussion, health and wellness topics and camaraderie.

6:00 - 8:00pm

third Wednesday of every month

at Brooks Collegiate Academy Campus located at 4802 Vance Jackson Rd.

MORE FROM CAMP AX

Austin Fire Department Public Information Office

created a video about the weekend of Camp Ax Burn Camp: