Summer Camp

June 15-21, 2025

Hosted since 1991, Camp I Am Me’s signature Summer Camp program has been a special and unforgettable one-week camp experience for children and teenagers who have experienced injuries from burns.

Through the generosity of donors, supporters, and volunteers, this opportunity is made available at no cost to campers and includes lodging, meals, traditional and non-traditional camp activities, health center access, and transportation to and from campsite (YMCA Camp Duncan, Ingleside) from across Illinois.

Summer Camp has provided thousands of young burn survivors a safe, non-judgmental environment to have the opportunity to build their self-esteem and self-confidence as they enjoy the varied activities and lifelong friendships that make up their camping experience.

No other Camp I Am Me program has received greater attention from the fire service, medical community, general public and the media than Summer Camp. This program provides the setting for child burn survivors to share their common experiences while being able to play and not feel self-conscious about their scars. The benefits to the campers – physical, psychological, and emotional – have been enough to inspire a long list of eager volunteers and supporters.

2025 Camper Applications have been emailed/mailed to camper parents/guardians in our database. If you have a child that is Summer Camp eligible, be sure to contact the Camp I Am Me office to ensure you receive an Application Form!

Mission

Since 1991, Summer Camp has been providing this safe, non-judgmental summer camp environment for children to have the opportunity to build their self-esteem as they enjoy the varied activities that make up their week-long experience.

Activities

Camp activities include archery, board games, boating, campfires, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, crafts, fire apparatus parade, fishing, fun fair, gems and journals, high ropes obstacle course, horseback riding, music and dance, rock climbing, sports, indoor and outdoor swimming, talent show, woodworking, and more!  There is also a variety of specialized workshops offered to deal with the specific needs of a young burn survivor.

Camp Staff

In addition to YMCA counselors, the Summer Camp is staffed by volunteers including many medical professionals, fire service personnel, and former burn camp campers!.  The qualified staff participates in various professional development and orientation sessions designed to prepare them to deal with the specific needs of burn survivors as well as to build a cohesive team.  This highly dedicated group of volunteers results in a nearly 1:1 counselor to camper ratio.