SPRINGBORO, Ind. (WTHR) - Summer camp is one of the most memorable experiences of childhood.
And this week, a very special camp is happening for young people who survived burn injuries.
Hoosier Burn Camp in Carroll County lets kids be kids.
Riding into Camp Tecumseh on a fire truck and greeted by the Garrison flag, dozens of young Hoosiers, with their firefighter friends are enjoying a life-changing experience.
It's a summer camp with a special mission.
"Seeing the grins from ear to ear as they were coming through was was pretty.. obvious sign they were really having a good time this week," said Bargersville firefighter Shane Bauerle, Secretary/Treasurer of Johnson County Professional Firefighters Local 4252. "That's an important part of this and why I like to be involved."
Marcellus Goulet, an accidental burn survivor from Carmel, has been coming to Hoosier Burn Camp for three years now.
"It's sort of a way for kids with burns to escape from that and just be with other kids and just have fun," Goulet explained.
62 campers from all over the state are at this year's Hoosier Burn Camp.
They're children ages 8 to 18 who've suffered the physical and emotional trauma of a severe burn injury.
This summer camp is where they can feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
No awkward stares.
No peer pressure.
Just kids being kids.
"Probably the pillow fight in our cabin was pretty fun," Goulet said when asked about his adventures so far.
Wednesday was visitors day at the camp, when firefighters, family and friends enjoyed a carnival-like atmosphere with food, music and games.
The rest of the week?
It's just like camp you'd remember as a kid: swimming, fishing, boating - all in the great outdoors and all without worry for these children.
"I'm with people who understand what I'm going through as well, so it's really fun," Goulet said.
"It's a place to go and just be a kid, be around other kids that look and feel the same way they do," said Brian Alkire, Assistant Fire Chief in Lafayette.
Alkire was injured in a fire as an adult, during a structure collapse.
He says even with his own challenges, it's a tougher for child burn victims.
There's so much pressure to look a like, to fit in.
It's why he enjoys lifting up and helping young survivors.
And fire departments really do help make this camp happen.
Many firefighters host fundraisers throughout the year, to ensure this experience is free for families.
The $1,000 per camper cost for a week of camp has been paid for every single camper.
"Hoosier Burn Camp is a non-profit so they rely on donations," Bauerle explained.
"To do it with no fee to the kids is important," Alkire added.
Because the memories made here are priceless.
"After visitors day we go to this huge water park, so that's probably my favorite," Goulet said with a big grin.
You can help Hoosier burn survivors attend camp next year.
There's a fundraiser June 20th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mallow Run Winery in Johnson County called "Burn the Cork".
It features wine, appetizers, live music, auction items and activities for both kids and adults. Money raised helps the Hoosier Burn Camp.
More information, including how to purchase tickets click here.