My experience at Arthur C Luf Burn Camp began in 1991 as a camper. I was 11 years old, and it was the first time I was away from home without my family. As a burn survivor from a small town in Massachusetts, it was amazing to be around others who had been through similar experiences as me, and the same challenges. I found comradery and confidence. I was a camper from 1991 to 1997.
Immediately after graduating from Physical Therapy school in 2007 and finishing my internship in Michigan, I applied to return to camp as a Counselor for the summer of 2008. Coming back felt like coming home. I was in Program with Hope, Mimi, and Elizabeth.
After a few years, I went to Group 4, then became a group Leader of Group 1 in 2012. I stayed group leader (missing 2013 after having Ethan, and 2015 after having Jacob) until 2019 when I went to the Ropes Course as the first female counselor. This place, no matter what location it has been in, has been such a huge part of my life.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Shriners saved my life. But this camp gave me my life back. And I can’t thank my parents enough for bringing me all those years ago.
