Young burn survivors from across California are visiting the Central Coast for a surfing camp.
The event is being held this weekend in Morro Bay. More than 20 child burn survivors are camping out for the 11th annual Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation Camp.
The kids get surfboards, kayaks, and surf lessons from volunteer firefighters and other members of the community.
The Burn Foundation hosts the camp each year to show kids their burns don’t hold them back. "If I came with regular kids, they would probably make fun of me, but other campers who were burned get along with each other, and they don’t say anything about burns or be mean," said Kaprice Hagen, a returning camper. "I love surfing, the beach, the water. It’s a fun road trip," said Hagen.
"When I come here, I feel more comfortable, and everybody feels the same," said Aiden Madueno, a first-time camper.
The Alisa Ann Ruch Foundation doesn’t just host camps. It also takes kids on day trips, hosts youth leadership summits and game nights. The foundation’s goal is to increase awareness about burns and burn prevention.
To learn more about the foundation, click here.
