Fire Department Assists Young Burn Victims

The Clayton Fire Department joined other fire departments from around the state recently for a 38-firetruck parade through Raleigh that transported nearly 150 young burn victims to a NC Jaycee Burn Center-sponsored weekend camping experience in Wake Forest.

The firetrucks and other emergency vehicles, with emergency lights flashing and sirens blasting, made their way through town and down Capitol Boulevard to Camp Kanata.

"The kids loved it," said Clayton Firefighters Association President Paul Zais. "They had a great time."

Once at the camp, the children from 5 to 17 years of age---many of them still dealing with the psychological effects of their injuries---enjoyed a weekend of swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, fishing, sports, team games and more.

Clayton firefighters also supplied the cake for the celebration that ended the weekend of play.

"We're right here," said Chief Lee Barbee, "and our guys want to help."

The camp, called Camp Celebrate, was started back in 1981 as a therapeutic experience designed to bring young burn victims together, with the hope they can help each other with the social and emotional damage that their injuries have caused. Camp Celebrate is sponsored by the Burn Center and the NC Burned Children's Fund, with help from fire departments and others across the state.