Burn Camp for teenagers in Germany by Paulinchen – Initiative for Young Burn Survivors

Since 2012, Paulinchen – Initiative for Young Burn Survivors has been organizing a burn camp for teenagers from age 15 to 21. The three-day event is carried out by a small team including a psychologist, a music therapist, a nurse and two young adults with burn injuries. The burn camp takes place in a self-catering house in beautiful, peaceful surroundings.

Goals

to meet other teenagers with burn injuries 
to share experiences, dreams and fears
to give support and understanding to each other
to make friends
to provide a platform for communication about the 
problems living with a burn injury in a confidential 
and relaxed atmosphere
to have a lot of fun together


Methods

Workshops: photo session, handicraft work 
(dreamcatcher, bow and arrow), acting, drawing 
clouds with wishes and a tree of life, kite flying, 
replica of hand or face with plaster cast

Excursions: public pool, zoo, climbing park, 
dry toboggan run

Group talks (discussions): What are my strengths? 
What makes me unique? How do I want to appear? 
How do others see me? How do I feel comfortable 
with myself and my injuries? How do I feel towards 
my parents‘ concerns after the accident?
  
Indoor and outdoor activities: table tennis, billiard, 
soccer, darts, barbecue and bonfire

Group challenges: “Marshmallow/
Spaghetti competition”, “Egg-Flight”




RESULTS

New friendships
Group discussions about similar problems
Personality development
Encouragement from other participants
Skills to handle conflicts, like mobbing
Shared experiences and dreams about growing up, 
education, finding a job, relationships
Better self-awareness and awareness of others


CONCLUSION

Many participants attend the burn camp every year until they turn 21. Friendships made during this camp frequently continue after the camp is over. The participants leave the camp with the comfort of knowing that they are not alone in their destiny. They now have contact with other young people who have similar problems and feelings. Some of the participants later become volunteers themselves and dedicate their time to the burn camp or other Paulinchen-projects.