CAMDEN — “Because of what they’ve been through, they are really adaptable,” said Fire and Ice Camp founder David “Rico” Petruccelli. “They are resilient. They’ve been through a lot worse than coming to camp for a few days.”

As Midcoast residents spent the past week eyeing this weekend’s forecast, adolescent survivors of severe burns left their homes from as far away as Texas to travel to Maine. With the friends they’ve met through burn programs, they made their way to the Camden Snow Bowl, Friday, Jan. 18, for a day of mountain fun.

All expenses were provided free of charge, and free from social constraints.

A few of the 30 children and teens, ages 8 to 18, knew how to ski or snowboard. Many did not. Yet, the day’s intent was not to cut wax against the freshly falling flurries, but to be kids. No more, no less.

“It’s a great thing to make everyone feel like they still belong in society instead of the awe and shock,” said Kimberly Plake, wife of skier Glen Plake.

The couple had only intended to be at the Snow Bowl the day before, having dropped in by motor coach during their tour of East Coast ski resorts. Yet, when Glen, himself a burn survivor, heard of the group coming Friday, the motor coach stayed put in the Snow Bowl parking lot for one more day.

Plake greeted the group prior to the campers descending from their own charter bus, another donation provided within the estimated $1,000 cost per camper of the four-day scholarship program. There’s no cost for transportation or skiing or lodging or any other expenses for the campers or the staff, according to Petruccelli.

Plake spoke to organizers about his admiration of the children.

“When you have the scars from a burn injury, society, as it is, is judging all of the time,” Petruccelli said.

Yet, with the Fire and Ice Camp in Southern Maine, on a small mountain in Camden, and at the summer burn camp in Connecticut, the children and teens are free to relax.

For more than 14 years, Petruccelli, himself a Portland firefighter, his co-responders, a team of volunteers, and generous fundraising campaigns have provided the free support, and the fun, needed to keep the children motivated.

“When you talk to them, when they talk about their experiences, they are appreciative,” he said. “They get it. They couldn’t do this without a lot of help from other people.” 

In fact, applications for the burn camp go in-depth. Parents are asked to note the emotional well-being of their camper. Are they afraid of firefighters, fire, anything else that might trigger PTSD? Did another loved one pass from an incident? Do they need extra medical treatment while with the group, which also participates in activities such as indoor horse riding, trampoline gymnastics, go-cart riding, and swimming.

For those yes responses, properly certified volunteers are sought and recruited.

As long as the camp exists, as long as the fundraisers and charities continue to support, no camper is left behind.

For more information: maineburnsurvivors.org

See related article: Firefighters from across Northeast, New Brunswick visit Rockland with survivors at Winter Burn Camp

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com