Posted: 6/6/2022
Camp I-Thonka-Chi celebrates its 31st anniversary
For more than three decades, children with burn injuries have gathered the first week of June for an endless array of activities at a place that is free from stares and questions, and a haven where kids can be, well, kids. This year marks the first time since 2019 that Parkland Health’s beloved burn camp is being held in person.
In 2020 and 2021, out of an abundance of caution, Camp I-Thonka-Chi (Choctaw for “a place that makes one strong or fearless, not afraid to face life”) was held online to reduce the chance of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
“We are so excited to be back this year,” said Donna Crump, Parkland physical therapy manager and co-founder and director of Camp I-Thonka-Chi. “Even though we were able to host the camp virtually, it’s not the same as seeing everyone in person and hearing the kids’ cheers and laughter.”
Held at Camp John Marc near Meridian, Texas, the Parkland Burn Camp is celebrating its 31st anniversary. More than 24 campers are expected to attend this year’s camp, which runs from Sunday, June 5 through Friday, June 10. Camp I-Thonka-Chi, unlike some other charity programs, is not supported by a national organization. Children, ages 6 to 18, can attend for free thanks to the generous donations of Parkland employees and area donors. Camp John Marc also helps with fundraising so more children can attend. During the weeklong event, campers build friendships, improve social skills, and simply have fun without being self-conscious of their scars or injuries.
Among the campers who will be participating this year is 16-year-old Nickolas Scott of Decatur.
For Felicia Scott and her then 12-year-old son, Nickolas, June 19, 2018, began like every other summer day. But that afternoon Felicia received a call that would forever change their lives. “I was at work when I received a call that Nick was burned and being flown to Parkland,” she said, recalling that terrifying moment.
Not knowing how badly her son was injured or the circumstances that led to his injuries, Felicia raced from her office in Bridgeport to Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Regional Burn Center. It was then she learned her son was in critical condition with burns on over 60% of his body.
It wasn’t until later that Felicia learned her son had been playing with a lighter when he either accidentally knocked over a bottle of opened rubbing alcohol or the vapors came in contact with the flame. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly referred to as rubbing alcohol, is highly flammable and can easily ignite, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). As a result, Nickolas received second and third-degree burns to his jaw, neck, chest, arms, hands, thighs and buttocks, and spent more than two months in the burn center followed by outpatient care and physical therapy as well as numerous procedures during that year.
Nickolas, his mother said recently, has come a long way since that day four years ago. “His burns don’t seem to bother him anymore and he is comfortable in his own skin,” Felicia said. “He cracks more jokes now and is working in a fast-food restaurant.”
And, his mother said, “he’s looking forward to going to camp to see his fellow campers as well as some of his therapists and others who cared for him.”
For more information on Camp I-Thonka-Chi or to make a donation, please visit Parkland Burn Camp. For more information on services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.