Burn Camp Research Articles

732 An Evidenced Based Approach to Capturing Growth and Change Through the Burn Camp Experience

Abstract Introduction The American Camping Association (ACA) explored “in what ways do children change because of camp experiences” (Thurber et al, 2007). Our burn camp approached this same question about the medical specialty camp experience assessing readiness and change in three key areas of growth: Independence / Leadership, Adventure / Exploration, and Social Skills. Methods The ACA supported the development of the Camper Growth Index (Henderson et al, 2006). For our medical specialty camp, a subset of items was selected for each area based on the strength of factor scores in the original study, relevance to our camp setting, and the growth being documented in counselor reports. Campers ages 8 – 18 and caregivers rated items addressing these areas on a 4 point likert scale from disagree to agree. Sample questions are “I am good at doing things on my own”, “I like to talk to kids I don’t know yet”, and “My child likes to try new activities”. Campers and caregivers received the questionnaires across a 3 year period. Results Pre-Camp ratings from campers and caregivers are consistent across the 3 years (Table 1). When campers were queried on the last day of camp, their adventure / exploration scores trended upwards, however that trend did not continue at 3 months, but independence / leadership trended upwards instead. Caregivers rated all three categories higher at the 3 month post camp assessment. Variation in the responses between individual items suggests discriminant validity and that certain items might be more sensitive to capturing the benefits of the burn camp experience. Conclusions Burn camps are a vital part of the burn rehab and aftercare experience for young burn survivors and their families. Documenting change through burn camp remains an important task. Change in these growth areas supports our targeted and intentional programming. The Camper Growth Index utilized by ACA allows us to assess the camper and caregiver experience of change, while linking the burn camp experience to the larger youth camp community of research. Applicability of Research to Practice We are evaluating the sensitivity of this abbreviated measure within a burn camp setting. Along with other measures of growth and change, we are hoping to document the magic of burn camp.

566 Burn Camp Volunteers Exhibit High Levels of Emotional Intelligence; Attributes to Consider for Volunteer Recruitment

566 Burn Camp Volunteers Exhibit High Levels of Emotional Intelligence; Attributes to Consider for Volunteer Recruitment

71 Burn Camp Outcomes: Capturing Changes in Pediatric Quality of Life

71 Burn Camp Outcomes: Capturing Changes in Pediatric Quality of Life

Benefits and Process of Providing Peer Support for Pediatric Burn Survivors and Caregivers during Inpatient and Outpatient Phases of Recovery.

The World Health Organization reveals that pediatric burns represent a large portion of burns globally (61). Increases in survival rates have guided clinical and research focus on physical, psychological, and social outcomes. Research on other childhood illnesses has shown the efficacy of social support throughout recovery. In the pediatric burn literature, studies have shown the efficacy of burn camps for promoting positive interactions among survivors, learning coping skills, and facilitating socialization and reintegration. However, few studies have focused on the benefits of peer support for pediatric burn survivors and their caregivers in the inpatient and outpatient phases of recovery. This descriptive paper identifies options for building resilience for pediatric burn survivors through peer support in the inpatient and outpatient phases of recovery. The authors discuss options for providing peer support during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the pediatric intensive care unit, general pediatric floor, and outpatient setting.

580 Burn Camp in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Introduction Previous literature has shown that pediatric burn camps provide numerous benefits to childhood burn survivors. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the inability to host camp for fear of viral transmission to burn survivors and camp personnel alike. A comprehensive burn center, with assistance from the firefighter community, hosted its first burn camp since the onset of the COVID pandemic in August of 2022. A camp staff of 54 volunteers modified the previous camp processes to ensure camp was safe, fun and accessible to 20 pediatric burn survivors. Methods This is an academic short report that reviews the process changes necessary to host a safe pediatric burn camp in the midst of the COVID pandemic. All attendees and staff were required to show a negative PCR test result 48 hours prior to arrival at camp. COVID vaccination was encouraged in all participants, however, staff and patients were not required to be vaccinated. Daily symptom tracking was implemented immediately upon arrival to camp. All participants were assigned a thermometer, and daily temperatures and symptom monitoring was performed by the camp director. Masks were mandated when indoors or within close proximity or group activities. There was a quarantine plan in place in the case a camper or staff member became symptomatic, or tested positive for COVID. Lastly, the number of people per cabin decreased from 12 to 8. Results In the early planning phase of camp, it was discovered that some of the participants and staff were unable to obtain a PCR test prior to camp. Therefore, onsite testing was implemented to allow testing as the participants and camp staff arrived to camp. The onsite testing facility was available for the entirety of camp in the case anyone became symptomatic. Implementation of additional camp processes resulted in a successful and safe camp. There were no reported cases of COVID during or after camp. Conclusions As the Public Health Emergency from COVID-19 continues, group activities, such as summer burn camps, with medically vulnerable populations must be altered to protect all stakeholders. We described the steps taken by one burn-center-run camp that enabled children and firefighter volunteers to participate in the full burn camp experience. Plans for the 2023 burn camp are already in process, and the processes implemented in 2022 will be implemented in all upcoming camps to ensure the children and staff are safe from the transmission of COVID. Applicability of Research to Practice N/A

507 Capturing Growth and Change Through the Burn Camp Experience

IntroductionThe American Camping Association (ACA) has asked in their study titled, Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience: Evidence for Multidimensional Growth, “In what ways do children change because of camp experiences?” Our burn camp program wanted to answer this same question about the medical specialty camp experience. Camp counselors and staff have been addressing this question in their camp summary reports for years, focusing on independence, social relationships, and adventure/risk taking. This project asked campers and caregivers/parents to rate their experiences of change in these key areas of growth and development.MethodsThe ACA supported the development of the Camper Growth Index instrument. We selected items from this larger scale to address three areas of change in our burn camp population: Independence/Leadership, Adventure/Exploration, and Social Skills. Three to four items were selected for each area based on the strength of their factor scores in the original study, relevance to our medical specialty camp setting, and the growth we were already documenting in our counselor reports.Campers ages 8–18 and their caregivers/parents rate items addressing these areas on a 4-point Likert scale (disagree a lot, disagree a little, agree a little, agree a lot). Sample questions are “I am good at doing things on my own”, “I like to talk to kids I don’t know yet”, and “My child likes to try new activities”. Items are phrased in positive and negative directions (reversed scored).All 60 campers and caregivers received these questions prior to camp. The same questions will be sent 3 months post camp to assess change in these areas.ResultsPreliminary findings from the pre-camp responses indicate positive evaluations in these three areas. We will be gathering post-camp responses from youth and caregivers / parents to assess change over the camp experience and return to home and school.ConclusionsBurn camps are a vital part of the burn rehabilitation and aftercare experience for young burn survivors and their families. Documenting the change we all believe happens at burn camp (and hear about anecdotally from our campers and families) remains an important task. The Camper Growth Index utilized by the broader ACA study allows us to assess the camper and caregiver/parent experience of this change.

775 The Ongoing Impact of the COVID Pandemic on Young Burn Survivors and their Families

IntroductionThe COVID pandemic continues to bring numerous challenges for young burn survivors and their families. This project addressed the ongoing impact that COVID-19 is still having on youth burn survivors and their caregivers.Our burn camp program moved to a virtual format for 2020 but returned to an in person camp experience for 2021. This project is an extension of our assessment in 2020 by asking youth and their families to reflect on the persistent effects of COVID-19 into 2021.MethodsPrior to each camp year, we asked campers (ages 8 – 18) and their caregivers / parents to complete questionnaires about their year, rating and specifying the personal impacts of COVID as part of their overall camp application. We also asked “what has helped you get through tough times this year?” In 2020 we had 47 campers and caregivers / parents participate with an increase to 60 campers and caregivers / parents for 2021.ResultsThe majority of youth continued to rate the impact of COVID-19 as “Somewhat” or “Highly” from 2020 to 2021, however the percent of youth rating these higher levels of impact decreased in 2021. The majority of caregivers rated the impact in 2020 as “Somewhat” while the percentage rating these higher levels of impact increased in 2021 with more caregivers also endorsing “Highly”.Campers AND caregivers / parents identified the same top 3 impacts in 2020 and 2021:1. Online school / virtual learning2. Friends / Social3. QuarantineThe impact on the fourth highest area of Sports / Activities decreased from 2020 to 2021. In both years, youth and caregivers rated Quality time with Family as a positive impact.Campers and caregivers endorsed Family, Friends, Faith, and What I learned recovering from my burn injury as factors helping them get through tough times.ConclusionsChildren, youth, and families who have experienced a burn injury continue to report both negative and positive impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.Not all youth and families are equally affected, but burn survivors and their caregivers rated the highest impacts as online school / virtual learning, friends / social, and quarantine in both 2020 and 2021.Family and friends were the greatest sources of support during tough timesBurn camp provided the opportunity for connection in the face of ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

Pediatric Burn Care: How Burn Camps Survived and Thrived During the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Burn camps play a vital role in the recovery of burn survivors by allowing them to develop the confidence and skill sets needed to reintegrate back into society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, burn camps across the United States and Canada could not hold any in-person activities. They had to either pause burn camps or quickly adapt to a virtual online platform. A 37-item electronic survey was developed and emailed to burn camp directors in the United States and Canada to determine what adaptations were necessary during the pandemic. This survey allowed directors to provide details on many facets such as camp format, successes observed, and challenges encountered. Twenty-one of 34 (62%) burn camp organizations completed the survey. 13 of the 21 (62%) respondents held virtual burn camps in 2020 while everyone else canceled their camps in 2020. The mean number of camps offered per organization decreased from 6.3 in 2019 to 4.7 in 2020. The average number of burn survivors and family members participating also dropped in that same period (2019 aggregate mean = 229.2 vs. 2020 aggregate mean = 151.4). Components of virtual camp included video conferencing platforms, “camp in a box” activities, and some prerecorded sessions. Most camp directors believed that their campers were satisfied with the virtual format. Factors allowing for a successful virtual camp included an effective online platform, scheduling adequate duration of programs, and appropriate staffing levels. Most common barriers to an effective virtual camp were participant engagement, special needs/accessibility concerns, and staff effectiveness in this format. While challenging, burn camps can be held in a virtual format successfully with proper planning, staff training, and support of campers and their families.

The role of burn camp in the recovery of young people from burn injury: A qualitative study using long-term follow-up interviews with parents and participants

BackgroundChildren and adolescents recovering from burn injury are at heightened risk of psychosocial problems. An integrative form of psychosocial intervention is burn camp. However, evidence about burn camp effectiveness is equivocal. ObjectivesThis study examined the role of therapeutic camp experiences in the recovery journeys of children and adolescents who had experienced burn injury and been treated in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Brisbane, Australia. MethodsRetrospective semi-structured interviews were conducted with youths and parents. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was used with pooled interview data. ResultsThe participants were eight youths who attended at least one burns camp (between 2009 and 2019) and 15 parents of youth campers. An overwhelming majority (96%) reported a positive experience of camp, that they would return, and that they recommended the camp to other youth with burns. The four strengths of the camp experience were fun, adventurous activities; social relatedness (friendships, socializing); camp setting and experience; and acceptance. The four impacts of the camp on youth campers were normalizing (“I’m not the only one”, shared experience); social support (making new friendships, social confidence, mentoring others); psychological recovery (happier, mentally stronger, more resilient, independence building); and confidence (increased self-confidence, increased social confidence, leadership development). ConclusionsAlthough this is the first known research about burn camp in Australia, the findings are similar to a handful of other qualitative studies about burn camp experiences and impacts. Recommendations include future research on aspects of camp experiences that contribute to targeted outcomes, the role of staff and previous camp participants as mentors, and comparisons with other psychosocial interventions for youth burn survivors.

Camp "Sababa" (awesome) — The world of children with burns

AimsCamp “Sababa” operates in Israel through the Burn Advocate Network of New Jersey, to help children with burn injuries cope with consequences of injury. The study assessed adolescents’ perceptions of their participation in the camp, and its effect on their self-esteem and quality of life. MethodsTen adolescents from diverse cultural backgrounds attended Camp "Sababa" in 2017. All the participants and parents signed an informed consent form, responded to a demographics questionnaire, and participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Phenomenological analysis revealed three themes, reflecting the chronological sequence of rehabilitation: (1) coping with emotional and physical scars, (2) formulating coping strategies, (3) belonging to a group, and (4) implications of camp experience. ResultsSocial participation engendered a feeling of safety and trust, enabling adolescents to share their burn experiences, and thus cope better with the physical and emotional challenges of their injuries. Participation in camp activities strengthened their confidence and social bonding; and their return to typical adolescent behaviour while at camp, and ultimately in the community. ConclusionsThe positive results suggest that burn camps should be part of the rehabilitation process of adolescents with burn injury, with emphasis on challenging, age-appropriate activities, and peer group participation.

92 Is Virtual Burn Camp as Effective as In-Person Burn Camp?

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a safe haven for child burn survivors to socialize and participate in recreational activities away from the unwanted stares from the public. But when a worldwide pandemic forced one of the world’s largest burn camps to forgo an in-person camp and pivot to a virtual camp, would the virtual burn camp prove as effective as an in-person burn camp? Methods In a 4-year retrospective review of camper evaluations within 2017–2020, we aimed to assess if the campers’ evaluation responses of virtual camp were consistent with their responses from past in-person camp evaluations. Camper self-evaluation forms were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on camp. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine which campers attended virtual Burn Camp in 2020 as well as in-person Burn Camp among the years 2017–2019, and matched sample comparisons were reviewed (2020 vs. 2017; 2020 vs. 2018 and 2020 vs. 2019). Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To assess if the responses to each question were consistent between 2020 vs. 2017, 2018 and 2019, McNemar’s test was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value< 0.05. Results Within 2017–2020, there were 444 camper evaluations submitted. In 2020, there were 137 registered campers. Sample size of this study was small due to a low response rate to evaluation form requests from virtual Burn Camp participants. There were 31 individual completed evaluations forms (23% response rate). Among 31 campers, 20, 22 and 20 campers attended 2017, 2018, and 2019 in-person Burn Camp, respectively. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Comparisons between 2020 vs. 2017, 2018 and 2019, in general, the campers’ responses were consistent. However, for Question #8 (Did you learn anything new from the other burn survivors at this event?) in 2020, more people (n=8) answered Not/A little while they answered Yes/Mostly in 2019 (p=0.046). Participants’ responses to Question#8 are summarized in Tables 2 and 3. Conclusions Virtual Burn Camp was generally as effective as in-person Burn Camp in almost all areas of assessment, except for the ability for burn-injured children to learn from other burn-injured children. The virtual Burn Camp model provided some interaction between counselors and campers, but did not allow for much interaction between campers, resulting in a greater response of “A Little” or “Not at All” to the question “Did you learn anything new from the other burn survivors at this event?”

503 Burn Camp Volunteer Engagement

Abstract Introduction Much has been published in burn literature regarding the positive impact of camp participation on burn survivors. Less has been said about the positive benefits reaped by the volunteers who freely give their time to support burn camp initiatives. Often these volunteers are fire fighters, members of the hospital’s burn team, family members or burn survivors or adult burn survivors. Occasionally, volunteers have no prior ties to the burn injury community. These individuals donate their time to attending burn camp as a counselor or camp volunteer and many serve through the year on planning and organization committees. Prior studies have reported a positive professional benefit from camp participation including improved job effectiveness and motivation. Counselors also reported personal benefits including personal growth and socialization. The same benefits may be present for non-counselor volunteers. Methods This survey-based project explored the attitudes of burn camp volunteers. Surveys were sent to current and past volunteers of one facility’s Pediatric Burn Camp. These include but are not limited to community members, firefighters, medical staff and Burn Team members. Surveys were sent via mail with a follow-up email sent one month later to encourage survey completion. Results Surveys were sent to 40 pediatric burn camp volunteers. 28 respondents reported between 1 and 27 years of camp participation. 75% report no regular contact with burn survivors related to their occupation. 29% of respondents were firefighters, 18% were burn team members and 32% were burn survivors. Respondents answered write in questions related to what they love about camp and how their camp experience could be made better. Nine topics related to attitudes were addressed in a Likert scale format. Statistical analysis will be performed to evaluate trends in volunteer attitudes and to compare attitudes to longevity of camp participation, volunteer age and occupation. Trends in recommended camp improvements will be addressed. Conclusions Longevity of camp participation is directly related to volunteer believes and attitudes. Whether because of other responsibilities, changing vocations or a loss of interest in the cause, often volunteers fail to return year to year. Volunteer engagement is an essential part of keeping burn camp a viable resource for pediatric burn survivors. By assessing volunteer perceptions, camp directors can discover areas for improvement and camp attributes that draw volunteers to burn camp. Volunteer recruit strategies developed with these trends in mind may be more successful in attainment and retention of dedicated volunteers.

617 Who Benefits the Most from Burn Camps?

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a unique environment and activities for children that have experienced a burn-injury. Positive outcomes from attending burn camp include increased self-esteem, decreased feelings of isolation and a greater sense of self-confidence. In a 3-year retrospective review of camper evaluations from one of the largest and longest running week-long burn camps in the nation for ages 5–17, we aimed to assess if a child’s gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity affected the impact that burn camp had on a child. Methods A 3-year retrospective review of a Burn Camp’s camper evaluation forms was conducted for campers that attended burn camp between 2017–2019. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine the camper gender, age, TBSA and ethnicity. Camper self-evaluation forms completed at the end of each camp session were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on the impact camp had on them as well as how camp will impact their lives once they return home. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To check the relationship between two categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. To compare the continuous variable among groups, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value< 0.5. Results Within 2017–2019, there were 413 camper records. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. There were 208 males (50.3%) and 205 females (49.6%). The median age of campers were 11.86, 12.44 and 12.45 for 2017–2019, with the range from 5.16 years to 17.96 years. The median TBSA were 20, 20 and 18 for 2017–2019, with the range from 0.08 to 90. Collectively there were 47.7% Hispanic (n= 197); 24.2% Whites (n=100); 13.1% Black (n= 54); 4.6% Asian (n=19) and 7.7% Other (n=32). There were 395 camper self-evaluation forms submitted. Results of three questions there we were interested in are summarized collectively in Table 2. 57% of campers responded, “Yes, Definitely” to the question “After going to this event, will you feel more comfortable being around your classmates or friends?” 54% responded, “ Yes, Definitely” to the question “Do you feel more confidents in sharing your burn story with others when returning home?” and 51% responded “Yes, Definitely” to “Did you learn anything that will help you when you return home?” Conclusions In analyzing the camper responses, there was no statistically significant difference in responses comparing gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity.

506 Creating Strategic Structure, Curriculum, and Training to Provide an Effective Virtual Burn Camp During a Pandemic.

Abstract Introduction When forming our virtual burn camp, burn camp leadership generated themes for each day to formulate a strategic camp curriculum, providing building blocks over the week to create camp community and connection. Each of the themes were well defined with defining concepts. The goal of the program was to provide consistency and guidance for our staff who were located all over the country and beyond to structure our virtual programming for our campers. Methods Burn camp leadership created a theme for each of the 5 days of virtual burn camp to create fluidity across the camp. Supporting these daily themes, we defined 5 core words to further outline the overall theme for the day. Our opening day theme was Creating Community. Accompanying our theme of Creating Community, we provided counselors with the following driving concepts: acceptance, belonging, inclusion, bonded, and connection. Our theme for the second day was Growth. We provided the following driving concepts to support Growth: develop, flourish, thrive, stretch, and progressing. The third day’s theme was Inspire with the following driving concepts: encourage, motivate, energize, enthuse, and lead. Dream was the theme for the fourth day with the following driving concepts: aspire, consider, visualize, imagine, and ambition. Our last day of camp our theme was Hope to inspire kids to look into the future beyond virtual burn camp. The driving concepts included: optimism, plan, promise, confidence, and wish. These themes and driving concepts with definitions were provided to our cabin counselors prior to camp and were sent out each morning. Counselors were required to complete a Google Survey at the end of each day to assess effectiveness and ability to execute the theme for the day. Results The themes and driving concepts allowed for intentionality for each day that provided fluidity for our virtual burn camp. Each daily theme built on the previous theme(s) to provide a connected community and intentional camp experience. Results of our Google Surveys showed the counselors were able to create community, facilitate growth, inspire campers, encourage campers to dream and instill hope. Conclusions Despite a challenging circumstance and an unprecedented situation facing our burn camp, our burn camp leadership team was able to create a structured and strategic framework with which to guide our virtual burn camp. This structure allowed our counselors to feel empowered to facilitate programming each day to connect our campers and move them forward despite difficult times.

508 Cancel Burn Camp: No Way! Our Institutions Creation of a Virtual Burn Camp and What it Taught Us About Our Patients

Abstract Introduction Last year we planned and created our own burn camp. We saw a need not being served and jumped in a created a camp experience that was archived in a documentary and received stellar reviews by all who attended. The kids’ camp expectations was exceeded and everyone was looking forward to 2020. We planned for a great 2020 camp experience and then COVID struck. We debated about the safety to proceed with residential camp as we knew it. Other camps cancelled but our inner need to serve wouldn’t let us do this. Methods Our planning committee quickly shifted and began planning for how we can bring that experience to a virtual platform. We engaged our Facebook group and called every kid on our list to inform the parents of the change. We then created a daily schedule and purchased the items needed for all activities. We then sent or delivered these with a gift card to kids that couldn’t make the pickups. Pickups were scheduled in the cities where most of our kids reside. We conducted daily yoga and meditation, cooking classes, painting and campfire stories. We mixed daily online sessions with 3 tailgating meet ups. We invited guest lectures and left the virtual space open for the kids to hang out. Results At the final tailgate/virtual pizza party, we had an awards ceremony and received testimonials from kids and parents about how for the first-time siblings were able to participate. We delivered to 15 kids and had 20 attend the tailgate pickups. On average, we had 16 kids attend daily. Conclusions Parents could see how their child benefitted from this community and the intent of camp. This event revealed exactly where our patients reside from a socioeconomic standpoint. Deliveries to some homes left our volunteers in tears. This helped explain the discrepancy between interest expressed and the numbers that showed daily for events. It also made us recognize that camp means even more as it is an escape from their realities.

619 The Impact of Global / National Phenomena on Young Burn Survivors and their Families

Introduction2020 brought numerous challenges for burn survivors and their families. This project assessed the impact of two major global / national phenomena, specifically the impact of a) COVID-19 and b) local / community / national actions around racism and policing on child and youth burn survivors and their families.MethodsOur burn camp program moved to a virtual format for 2020. Campers (ages 8 – 18) and their caregivers / parents completed questionnaires about their year, rating and specifying the personal impacts of these phenomena. They rated how their year has been overall and selected “what has helped you get through tough times”. 47 campers and 47 caregivers / parents participated.Results:Impact of COVID-19The majority of youth rated the impact of COVID-19 as “somewhat” to “highly” (78%), while the majority of caregivers rated “somewhat” (64%). Campers and caregivers identified the following impacts most often and to similar degrees: Online school/virtual learning, Friends/Social, Sports/Activities, Quarantine, Isolation, Worries, Quality time with family. Caregivers also highlighted: Getting creative at home and Uncertainties.Impact of local / community / national actions around racism and policing on you and your familyThe majority of campers and caregivers rated the impact as “Somewhat”, “Very Little” or “Not Impacted” (86%), although participants rating higher impact also provided moving personal experiences.What has helped you get through tough times this yearOver 85% of campers and caregivers / parents rated their year overall as “OK” or “Pretty Good”.Campers and caregivers endorsed Family, Friends, Faith, and What I learned recovering from my burn injury as factors helping them get through tough times.ConclusionsChildren, youth, and families who have experienced a burn injury report both negative and positive impacts from the global and national phenomena of COVID-19 and local / community / national actions around racism and policing. Not all youth and families are equally impacted. Family and friends were the greatest sources of support during tough times. One burn survivor family indicated that what they learned recovering from burn injury has helped them through this challenging year – “I have learned to just adapt and change because anything can happen at any point.” Most burn survivors and their families indicate the year has been “OK” or “pretty good”. Connection through burn camp provided the opportunity to share the impacts, but also the strengths and resiliencies in our burn community.

501 Creating a Virtual Burn Camp Experience: Growth, Hope, Dream, Inspire

Abstract Introduction Our Burn Camps program has a suite of well-established residential programs. In 2020 we were forced to pivot to a virtual platform. Our goal was to uphold our mission; “to provide children who have sustained a burn injury and their families healing opportunities by offering inspiration, rehabilitation and shared experiences in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment.” Our theme “Always Together” utilized the following program pillars: creating community, growth, inspire, dream and hope. Methods Recruitment Campers/Counselors: The 2018–2020 campers were contacted providing virtual camp logistics and application information. Our best counselors returned as our 2020 staff. We built the same cabin groups as 2019. Staffing Camp leadership team and 2 Psychologists Platform The conference center provided ZOOM access for planning meetings and staff training. Four Zoom accounts were used to manage 8 cabin groups. Application A new online application was developed including the following questions: Coping with the pandemic, current social justice issues and access to technology. Schedule The schedule included 4 live meetings per day for 5 days. We included the anchors of camp: morning exercise, crafts, talent show, banquet, and play day. “Camp in a Box”: 125 boxes were designed and sent to campers, staff and donors. Boxes included envelopes for each day of the week, with content specific for each cabin. Results We had 62 campers registered for camp and 35 staff from across the country. Our “Camp in a Box” was successfully sent to 62 campers, 35 staff and 25 donors. We had four Zoom accounts. Each account was managed by a member of the leadership team. There was one primary Zoom account that hosted the large group activities for consistency. Each live activity that was offered was attended by 40–70 participants. Our Zoom calls were a mix of live and prerecorded videos. Counselors filled out a staff survey at the end of each evening allowing the leadership team feedback about the day’s activities and any camper concerns. Conclusions During a time when connection is so important, our community rose to the challenge and supported our campers. We were able to show that burn camp lives inside each of us no matter the location. Our campers and their families were engaged throughout the week and grateful for the opportunity. We learned a lot about running a virtual program and hope to use these concepts even when the pandemic is over.

93 Virtual Burn Camp 2020 vs. In-Person Burn Camp - Did It Hit the Mark

IntroductionBurn camps have served burn-injured youth in the U.S. for over 35 years. Camp is a rehabilitation program that has been recognized as an important part of young survivors’ recovery. The 2020 global pandemic made an in-person camp impossible, so volunteers rallied to provide a virtual experience. Registered campers received a “Camp in a Box” filled with activities, art supplies, a camp tee-shirt, and snacks to enjoy at Virtual Burn Camp (VBC). Participants connected with campers and counselors online. This study sought to determine how youth viewed VBC compared to in-person camp, how the pandemic was affecting their emotional status and whether VBC helped them.MethodsThe study asked participants to rate survey items regarding levels of comfort, connection, and support at VBC vs. in-person camp on a 4-point scale from 1. NO! 2. no 3. yes 4. YES! Multiple choice questions such as My favorite thing about virtual camp, and “Things I missed most about regular burn camp” - choose 2. General stress & anxiety levels related to Covid-19 were assessed, as well as if VBC helped to reduce their anxiety/stress levels.ResultsPediatric burn survivors (n=77) participating in 2 virtual camps, demographic’s included mean age 13.8 years, male (n=39%), female (n=61%), visible scars (74%) vs. (10%) hidden scars with the majority representing racial/ethnic minorities (65%) vs. white (35%). Campers reported feeling more connected at in-person camp (84%) vs. VBC (38%). Feeling supported was higher at regular burn camp (84%), but the majority (76%) also claimed feeling supported at VBC. Camper’s favorite things about VBC were Camp in a Box (66%), Being Part of the Burn Community (51%), and Seeing Counselors (47%). Things missed most about regular burn camp were seeing Friends (83%) and Counselors (61%). Respondents reported high Covid-19 related stress/anxiety levels (66%) and (88%) said that VBC reduced their anxiety/stress. Top benefits included feeling Happy (48%) and Thankful (32%).ConclusionsPediatric burn survivors place a high value on their burn community involvement. Though not the preferred camp method, the VBC earned high marks for camper’s improved emotional status and for reducing their Covid-19 stress and anxiety levels. The program succeeded in helping Virtual Campers feel supported and provided an important venue for connecting them with their burn-injured peers and camp counselors.

616 Young Adults Burn Survivors - Key Challenges They Faced While Growing Up

Abstract Introduction There is a paucity of research regarding the challenges faced by young adults (YA) who matured with burns. It is well documented that acute burn care is laden with painful surgeries/dressing changes, gruesome physical/occupational therapies, anxiety and time away from family & friends. However, the specific issues young adults burned as children find most challenging remain largely unknown. This study sought to provide YA survivors with an opportunity to describe the difficult issues they endured. Methods Burn surviving youth responded to the open-ended statement “The hardest thing about being burned is…” Seven themes were derived from their responses: People Staring at Me, Being Bullied, Remembering When I was Burned, Having Additional Surgeries, My Scars, Getting Questions About My Burns,& the Pain & Itching, Young adult survivors were asked to rate each item on a 4-point scale from (1) Not at all to (4) Really a lot. Results Participants were YA survivors (n=64) mean age 19.1 years, female (62%) male (38%), average age at burn of 6.4 yrs. Sixty-eight percent reported both visible & hidden scars; 25% had a TBSA > 50%., Sixty-six percent were minority race/ethnicity. More than half of respondents reported issues with My Scars (65%), Remembering the Burn (52%) and Pain & Itching (50%). People Staring and Bullying has been bothersome for over 70%, 72% reported Being Bullied and 71% noted People Staring. The highest 5 means among YA subgroups included: Participants with hand scars- Being Bullied (2.6), those with visible scars - My Scars (2.6). Those reporting both facial & hand scars endorsed People Staring (2.4), youth with a TBSA ≥ 50% - Being Bullied (2.4) and with visible scars - Remembering the Burn – (2.4). Girls were bothered significantly more by My Scars (p=.02). Youth with both facial & hand scars had greater issues with Pain/Itch (p=.03). Conclusions This study provides insight into problems encountered by maturing burn survivors and discloses the more challenging issues they endured. These data can assist burn centers, camps, and psychotherapists in discussing potential survivor issues and suggest interventions to help burn-injured youth respond to challenges. Special consideration should be given to girls, those with facial/hand scars, large TBSAs and visible scarring.

502 Adapting to COVID19: Can Virtual Burn Camp be as Impactful as Last Year’s In-person Camp?

IntroductionSkin is not the only casualty following a burn accident. Many children suffer long term, debilitating emotional effects from their burn injury (Abdullah et al. 1994; Kornhaber et al. 2018). Armstrong-James et al. (2018) and Maslow and Lobato (2010) found that summer camps explicitly designed for burn survivor children can positively impact children’s adaptability to stares and comments and improve their sense of self-esteem. Camp Susquehanna has been a summer camp for burn survivors for the past 25+ years. When the COVID19 pandemic closed many businesses, we decided to transition our in-person camp to 100% online. Researchers demonstrated the positive effects of summer camp for burn survivors (Maslow & Lobato, 2010; Bakker et al. 2011). However, the effects of a 100% online camp are not known. Our concern was, are we able to transition and be as impactful as it is face to face at camp? What will the schedule and activities look like in this new format? How will we ensure all children participating will have access to online and the supplies necessary?MethodsWe opted to select a three-week format with two sessions a day divided into two age groups. We ensured every child had internet access then mailed out a “camp in the box.” It contained all the things needed for each planned activity. The critical question remained, however, will we be as impactful? The current research looks at quantitative and qualitative measures of self-esteem, happiness, and satisfaction following participation in a three-week summer program held in July 2020. We make comparisons to previous years’ results. The authors expected that self-esteem, happiness, and satisfaction levels matched or exceeded last years’ levels.ResultsWe collected data from 42 campers and 22 volunteer camp counselors. Results show that campers were able to receive the support they needed, not only from the staff but also from their peers.ConclusionsThe delivery method was indeed different this year, but the positive effect on our campers remained the same.