Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Captain Jason Williams and Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) Matthew Hudson of Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) recently volunteered at the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF) Camp Oo-U-La. The camp, which is held annually at Camp Twin Lakes’ Will-A-Way facility in Winder, GA, is a week-long overnight camp for children who have survived burn injuries.
Williams and Hudson spent the week leading and mentoring campers with various activities, including swimming, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, and more. They worked alongside a group of other volunteers which included firefighters, medical professionals, and adult burn survivors. This year marked the 10th year Capt. Williams has volunteered at Camp Oo-U-La and the 4th year for FAO Hudson.
“These men exemplify the dedication and selflessness that we value at Cherokee Fire,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. “They’re committed to serving others both on and off the job and I’m proud to work alongside them.”
In addition to the fun activities that can be found at Camp Oo-U-La, campers have the opportunity to receive support and connect with a group of peers who have had similar experiences. They learn ways to process, communicate, and cope with the challenges that can come with their injuries. The camp’s program is designed to be fun with a purpose and supports children by acknowledging, honoring, and validating the experiences they have had from traumatic burn injuries.
The camp is open to children ages 7 -17 who have sustained a burn injury that required treatment or hospitalization and are Georgia residents. Non-Georgia residents who were treated in a Georgia burn center are also welcome to participate. Summer camp offers these children and their siblings an opportunity to grow together in their recovery and relationship with one another while experiencing fun, friendships, and freedom that can only be found in a camp environment. This wonderful program is provided at no cost to the participants.
The impact of this program can be seen all over camp through the smiles on everyone’s faces. Orrealus, a burn survivor and past camper at Camp Oo-U-La is quoted on the foundation’s website saying “The GFBF made a difference in my life from the moment I stepped foot into Camp Oo-U-La. Teaching me life skills that I could take along my Survivor journey and putting me in leadership positions that showed me my potential.” Orrealus goes on to say “Showing me that there is a beautiful life to live after fire trauma, it’s just up to us as survivors to go out there and live it.
The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with the fire service and burn care community to provide fire safety and prevention education, support medical facilities, and assist burn survivors in their recovery. The summer camp is just one of the many programs they offer throughout the year.
For more information about the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation or to make a donation to their cause, visit their website at www.gfbf.org.
