Camp 2023 update
Our Camp I-Thonka-Chi leadership team is working with our friends at Camp John Marc to update our plan for in-person camping this summer. We will update the camp website and welcome packets with additional information as it becomes available.
Applications are due by May 1, 2023.
Parkland’s camps for young burn survivors
Parkland’s burn camps allow children who have been hospitalized with burn injuries a chance to share time with others who face similar life-altering challenges.
When children who have been burned get to be around other burn survivors, their self-esteem is raised by people who accept them as they are. By offering youths the chance to interact with others who have been burned, they learn that they are not alone.
Camp activities are offered in summer or winter and focuses on letting children with burn injuries be just plain kids in a supportive environment. Camp activities include fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, nature hikes, arts and crafts, cookouts, games and much more.
Parkland’s camp is one of only 32 such camps nationwide that are designed to address issues specific to burn injuries.
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 youth who have experienced burn injuries. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, 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.
COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend camp this year. Testing requirements will be determined closer to the camp date and will be based on CDC recommendations.
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 welcomes youth who have been hospitalized with burn injuries, ages 6 to 18 years old. They do not have to be a Parkland patient.
Camp is free to campers, 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.