In recent years, devastating forest fires across Greece have increased dramatically in size and intensity. Children have been among the most vulnerable, suffering severe burn injuries that require complex, long-term care. Burn Advocates Network supports burn survivors beyond medical treatment by building community, connection, confidence, and hope.
Now, Burn Advocates Network is bringing this mission to Greece through Camp Kefi—a healing camp for young burn survivors. Inspired by the Greek spirit of kefi, meaning joy, vitality, and zest for life, the camp will give children a safe place to connect with peers, rebuild confidence, experience new activities, and rediscover joy. Camp Kefi will also connect Greece to a growing international network of burn-survivor communities working together to transform recovery and resilience.
Healing from the Inside-Out
Whether caused by a house fire, scalding cooking fluid, or a terrorist’s explosive device – burn injuries have devastating consequences. Physical disfigurement and emotional scars make the recovery process a long and painful one. While the “outside” scars may require several complex surgeries, the “inside” scars are much more difficult to heal.
Love & Support
We believe that Burn Camps are the best way to support young burn survivors, as they learn to cope with their new lives. Our campers build self-confidence, make new friends, and forget about their scars while participating in ballgames, drum circles, surf lessons and unforgettable camp experiences. We are currently operating four burn camps, with a planned effort to open a fifth camp in Ukraine by 2025, directly following the conflict.
Helping Israel Heal
The October 7th War has dramatically increased the need for medical and psychological care for burn survivors. We have partnered with Sheba Medical Center to create the first specialized center in Israel for treating burn scars with lasers. Our camps restore the spirit while lasers heal the scars. Both are essential for a return to a stable and productive life.
How our lasers heal burn scars:
Our Partners at Sheba Tel HaShomer Medical Center:
ISRAEL - CAMP SABABA
Since 2009, over 500 children from all religious and ethnic backgrounds have attended Israel’s only camp for pediatric burn survivors.
INDIA - CAMP KARMA
Despite the fact that there are over 1.5 million pediatric burn survivors in India, Camp Karma is the subcontinent’s only Burn Camp. Camp Karma will re-open in 2022.
HAITI & DR
Following the 2010 earthquake, Burn Advocates Network set on a mission to bring proper care and support to thousands of burn survivors.
BRAZIL - CAMP SAMBA
Camp Samba is set to take place in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, during summer 2022.
ADVOCACY
What we do – Our main focus is on pediatric burn survivors but we also speak for those whose voices are not heard – war veterans, citizens of underdeveloped countries and minorities. Below are some photos of Burn Advocates’ President and Founder, Sam Davis, at the Mass Tort Made Perfect Conference, Las Vegas – October
What you can do – Join the conversation on our social media community and help spread the word.
REHABILITATION
What we do – We operate 3 international burn camps, provide medical supplies and equipment to struggling burn centers, and promote medical training and education.
What you can do – Volunteer at one of our burn camps or support our activities by donating today.
REINTEGRATION
What we do – We assist burn survivors to integrate into the workforce, encourage them to support and guide young burn survivors, and share their painful yet inspiring stories with the world.
What you can do – Promote workplace equality, tolerance and diversity.
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Over 11,000,000 people are moderately or severely burned every year
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95% percent of fire‐related burns occur in low and middle‐income countries where prevention programs are almost nonexistent and open fires for cooking, lighting or heating are commonplace
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The rate of child death from burns is 7 times higher in low income countries than in high income countries
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Over 85% of child burns occur in a residence
- Over 1,000,000 people are moderately or severely burnt every year, 50% percent of them under the age of 5
- Over 450,000 people are moderately or severely burnt every year, 55% of them under the age of 18
- Over 1,500 children under the age of 18 are moderately or severely burnt every year
- There are currently over 60 Burn Camps operating around the world, yet 90% of them take place in the USA.
