Local Fire Departments Help Make Pediatric Burn Victims Smile

On Friday, 35 firetrucks gathered in the parking lot at Triangle Center Mall and waited as kids from across North Carolina rolled up and registered to participate in Camp Celebrate, a special camp just for pediatric burn victims in North Carolina.

The University of North Carolina Burn Center and others have been offering Camp Celebrate since 1982. But the experience and companionship does not end after one visit. As the kids grow older and become teenagers they have the opportunity to return as camp counselors and be mentors to younger kids.

As I stood in the parking lot at the mall I watched kids walking up with parents dragging suitcases and kids carrying their favorite pillow. They looked every bit as excited to be headed to Camp Celebrate as many other kids are this summer.

The ladder trucks lined up in the "us" line while the engines assembled in the "them" staging area.
The ladder trucks lined up in the “us” line while the engines assembled in the “them” staging area.

Camp Celebrate is held at our very special Wake Forest Camp Kanata and the friends, family members, and staff of Camp Kanata were clapping and cheering as each fire truck pulled up to drop off the special pairs of kids they drove to camp. The campers got to operate the siren and lights along the way.

The convoy of 35 fire trucks was a sight to see as it ambled up Capital Boulevard on the way to Camp Kanata Road. Firetrucks from Wake Forest Fire Department, Bay Leaf Fire Department, and Stony Hill Fire Department were part of the participating departments.

An old fire truck makes an appearance in the mall parking lot and intrigued many visitors.
An old fire truck makes an appearance in the mall parking lot and intrigued many visitors.
Bay Leaf Fire Department Engine 121 looks bright and shiny as it heads out of camp.
Bay Leaf Fire Department Engine 121 looks bright and shiny as it heads out of camp.
Town of Cary ladder truck.
Town of Cary ladder truck.
Crestline Fire Department participated as well.
Crestline Fire Department participated as well.
A truck from Wendell Fire Department departs.
A truck from Wendell Fire Department departs.
Stony Hill Firefighter Tart shares the festive mood and good cheer with drivers as they await their turn into the camp.
Stony Hill Firefighter Tart shares the festive mood and good cheer with drivers as they await their turn into the camp.
Law enforcement and firefighters assemble to get last minute instructions before heading up to the camp.
Law enforcement and firefighters assemble to get last minute instructions before heading up to the camp.
A beautiful ladder truck from Moncure Volunteer Fire Department sits next to one from the Town of Cary.
A beautiful ladder truck from Moncure Volunteer Fire Department sits next to one from the Town of Cary.

Leave a Comment