Winterfest 2021: Friends, Fun, and…Pajamas?!

If COVID-19 has taught us anything it has been the power of, and need for, connection. While many of us have struggled with this during the pandemic, this is a way of life for many burn survivors, especially children. Most do not know other burn survivors in their own communities, and children who attend Camp Susquehanna only feel connected to their survivor peers those five short days during the summer at Camp.

COVID-19  forced us to transition Camp Susquehanna to a virtual platform. Once we realized that this virtual connection still gave our campers the boost in self esteem, connectedness, and let’s be honest – FUN!! – experienced at physical camp, we realized we had a means to keep this previously isolated group connected throughout the year!

On January 26th, we held our third quarterly virtual event for young burn survivors, “Winterfest”, and it was a blast!

We registered 30 campers, including several first timers. Each camper received a mini version of our now famous “Camp-In-A-Box” which included all of the materials necessary for the evening craft activity (we made a snow globe!), as well as some fun items and snacks. The campers were so excited to see their peers and counselors and to spend time with each other playing games and just having fun. And did we mention it was also a pajama party?!

Even before the evening event was concluded campers were already asking when they would see each other again…and they won’t have to wait long … Springfest is just around the corner!

At the end of every Camp event, we do a quick check in with everyone to see how the experience impacted  them. Please take a moment to watch the video montage below to hear some of the answers we received about Winterfest 2021….

Jessica Banks

Prevention Education Director and Staff Camp Liaison