Our family-focused programming for burn survivors on their healing journey.
Camp RED, which stands for Realize Every Dream, is a transformative program designed for burn survivors and their families. At its heart are two, 4-day residential family camps; our Junior Summer session for campers entering 1st-6th Grade, and our Senior Summer Session for campers entering 7th-12th grade. Both programs are family camps where physical burn survivors and burn survivor supporters can rediscover joy, build confidence, and embrace life beyond their scars. Whether your camper was recently injured or faced their trauma years ago, we’re here to help you on the path to healing
Beyond the summer camp, Camp RED now offers year-round programs, including a Fall Family Retreat for all ages, a Parent Retreat for burn survivor parents, and a Teen Leadership Retreat for campers 14 and older. These experiences provide continued opportunities for growth, connection, and healing.
Families are welcomed regardless of where they live or receive care, and are surrounded by others who share similar experiences, feelings, and journeys. Our dedicated volunteers are passionate about celebrating each camper and supporting emotional healing through meaningful activities in a beautiful, natural setting.
We hope your time with Camp RED will help your family Realize Every Dream for a better tomorrow.
Fill out the information form (below) on this page, and a member of the Camp RED staff will reach out with details!
Each Camp RED program carries a $50 registration fee per participant, and the option to donate and help offset program costs. Firefighters For Healing’s Camp RED will never turn a participant away over registration fees, and will either discount or waive the entire registration fee, no questions asked.
If an adult accompanies your camper, then the primary supervision will be that adult. However, each group of campers will be assigned a cabin counselor to supervise, engage with the campers and siblings, build cabin spirit, and make each moment special. We also have a Medical staff to administer medications, provide first aid, and make any necessary medical decisions regarding your camper’s care. All staff members and volunteers are thoroughly trained and have passed a comprehensive background check.
Camp RED hosts our Junior Summer Camp Session (entering 1st-6th grades) at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN and Senior Summer Camp Session (entering 7th-12th grades) at Joy Ranch of South Dakota in Florence, SD.
Our Fall Family Retreat is held at Great Wolf Waterpark in Bloomington, MN. Our Teen Leadership Retreat is hosted at our summer camp location. Our Parent Retreat is hosted on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
For more information about Camp Knutson, please visit https://campknutson.lssmn.org
For more information about Joy Ranch, please visit https://www.joyranchofsd.org
For both of our Summer Sessions and Teen Leadership Retreat, we will provide transportation to and from camp at no additional cost. Parking is available at the Minneapolis pick up/drop off site so your entire family can ride the bus together. However, you and your family are welcome to drive to Camp Knutson/Joy Ranch and meet us there.
Participants provide their own transportation to/from the Fall Family Retreat and Parent Retreat.
Travel assistance may be available for the Summer Sessions for campers and families interested in flying from out of state, based on availability.
Meals are served family-style with a variety of options to satisfy anyone with food allergies and restrictions. In your application, you can make clear any concerns or needs for the kitchen staff. Snacks are also provided in the afternoons and evenings. However, we discourage bringing outside food and drink to camp.
The day begins at 8:15 am with our traditional Flag Ceremony. After breakfast, everyone participates in various morning activities including horseback riding, archery, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, support groups, nature walks and more. The afternoon is a mix of free-time and waterfront activities: swimming, tubing, stand up paddle boards, games and more. Then, everyone is off to dinner and an evening of fun all-camp games with family and/or cabin mates before bedtime. Songs, campfires, costumes, and silly games are found all throughout Camp RED. We even have a few special guests, so expect some surprises too.
After your application is complete, you will receive a detailed acceptance packet with all the important information needed to prepare for camp. Things to keep in mind in packing: close-toed shoes for horseback riding, water shoes/sandals, bedding and pillow, two towels (shower and lake), stuffed animal, a book, and/or stationary. Things to avoid: electronic devices (phones, ipads, ipods, etc), candy/food, valuable possessions, weapons, and your pet. A complete packing list will be a part of the acceptance packet.
Not at all. We welcome campers who were treated at any Burn Center.
They put their hearts into making camp the best experience for every camper and their family.
Founder
Director
Assistant Director
Assistant Director
Medical Director
Health Professional
To learn more about Camp RED, complete the form below.
