05/08/2025
Celebrating 40 Years of Champ Camp – Why Community Matters for Healing
An interview with Erika Mendoza - Camps and Recreation Manager, Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation
“The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation started in 1971 after a tragic barbecue accident took the life of Alisa Ann. Her mom, Diane, didn’t want this to happen to other families. She partnered with the local Burn Center and the local fire department to create a foundation focused on burn prevention—'Stop, Drop, and Roll' started here.
But what was missing was support for life after the hospital stay—especially regarding the emotional side of burn injury recovery.
That’s why Champ Camp was created in 1985. This year is our 40th anniversary, and we’re celebrating 40 years of helping young burn survivors ages 5–17 build confidence and community. Kids come from all over California and Southern Nevada, and we even have a program called Angel Flight where volunteer pilots can fly campers in for free.
Champ Camp is now one of the largest and longest-running camps for burn survivors in the country. Other programs look to us for guidance, and our research shows how important this is for emotional healing.
We see kids come in nervous and quiet on day one—but by that night, and especially by the end of the week, they’ve come out of their shell. They feel safe, supported, and seen. Some of our campers grow up and come back as counselors in training because camp meant so much to them. As a burn survivor and former camper myself, I know how important Champ Camp is for building confidence, courage, and close friends after a life changing burn injury.
Having a place where you can feel seen and supported is crucial for young people to heal and thrive.
Even during the pandemic, when we couldn’t gather in person, we made sure Champ Camp showed up virtually—because consistency in support systems is crucial.
Right now, we’re running our annual fundraiser—this year the goal is $40,000 in honor of 40 years. Camp is June 7–14 and we’re on track for 150 campers, all at no cost to their families, because every burn survivor deserves to thrive—and to know they’re not alone.”
Give Here:
https://givebutter.com/ChampyOn2025
