Camp Phoenix

Camp Phoenix is an organization sponsored by WCMC, the New York City Firefighters Burn Center Foundation (NYFBCF), and the Burn Center of New York Presbyterian- Weill Cornell Medical Center.

WCMC students founded the camp in 2000 to facilitate the healing of emotional scars in pediatric burn survivors. Its activities are designed to build self-confidence, emphasize team work, and get together children who have had similar experiences. We hope to give each child an opportunity to have fun and help them normalize their outlook on life.

The Camp organizes three one-day events held on Saturdays in November, February and May, and one weekend-long trip in June of each year.

Saturday events start mid-morning with games and at least five different activities. Children are divided into age-specific groups that rotate through the offered games or projects. These might include a pick-up basketball game, learning to make ice cream or animal balloons, painting, etc. Snacks and lunch are served. Parents are encouraged to stay and interact with other parents and are given information on workshops offered by NYH-WCMC and community organizations.

Each June, volunteer counselors from WCMC, FDNY and NYHP take the children to an outdoor summer camp facility for a weekend. Campers are divided into age specific groups and encouraged to design team logos and team cheers. Other activities include rope course challenges, archery, canoeing and hiking. The experience ends with a Camp Phoenix Messy Olympics.

See the video and share in the fun!