Burn Camp

Parkland’s Camps for Young Burn Survivors

Parkland’s Burn Camps give children who have experienced burn injuries the chance to connect, heal, and simply be kids again. Surrounded by others who understand their journey, campers build confidence, find friendship, and discover that they are not alone. Both our summer and winter camps provide safe, supportive spaces where healing happens through fun, community, and adventure.

Summer camp

Parkland’s annual summer camp is called Camp I-Thonka-Chi, which is Choctaw for “a place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life.” Usually held the first week in June, Camp I-Thonka-Chi offers a caring environment for young people who have experienced burn injuries. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, a ropes challenge course, horseback riding, sports, arts and crafts, water games and other special events. Camp I-Thonka-Chi is held at Camp John Marc in Meridian, Texas, about 85 miles southwest of Dallas in the peaceful, rolling hills of Bosque County.

Winter camp

In the winter, campers and counselors travel to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to attend camp with winter activities including snowboarding and skiing as well as other group activities and programming.

Who can attend?

Parkland’s burn camps welcome youth who have been hospitalized with burn injuries, ages 6 to 18 years old. They do not have to be a Parkland patient. Each burn survivor camper may also bring one sibling, ages 6 to 18 years old.

Camp is free thanks to generous donors and volunteers. Transportation is provided from Parkland hospital to camp and back.

If you would like to register, please fill out the Camper Application.

For more information about Parkland’s burn camps, call 214-590-2920 or 1-800-850-1477.