THE TM 911 Franklin Street Weekly Newspaper Michigan City, IN 46360 Volume 29, Number 31 Thursday, August 8, 2013 Hoosier Burn Camp Families Visit Michigan City by Wm. Halliar The Michigan City Fire Department hosted a very special event during the week end of July 20 and 21. Michigan City’s beau- tiful lake front park, the zoo, splash pad and of course the beach were the scene of a wonderful two day adventure for the ex- traordinary young people and their families who be- long to the Hoosier Burn Camp. The Hoosier Burn Camp Inc., with home base in Battle Ground, Indiana, was founded in 1997 to serve children and adoles- cent burn survivors in the state of Indiana. Over 70 burn survivors, ages 8 to 18 will participate in Hoo- sier Burn Camp activities this year. The organiza- Jason Weiss (left) Chris Furness, Daryl Westphal of the MC Fire Department tion hosts several outings Continued on Page 2 Two of the yonger members of Hoosier Burn Camp Ellie (left) and Katie Fites (Indianapolis) THE Page 2 August 8, 2013 THE 911 Franklin Street • Michigan City, IN 46360 219/879-0088 • FAX 219/879-8070 In Case Of Emergency, Dial e-mail: News/Articles - [email protected] email: Classifieds - [email protected] http://www.thebeacher.com/ PRINTED WITH Published and Printed by TM Trademark of American Soybean Association THE BEACHER BUSINESS PRINTERS Delivered weekly, free of charge to Birch Tree Farms, Duneland Beach, Grand Beach, Hidden 911 Shores, Long Beach, Michiana Shores, Michiana MI and Shoreland Hills. The Beacher is also delivered to public places in Michigan City, New Buffalo, LaPorte and Sheridan Beach. man’s fondest hope that one year there will not be Hoosier Burn Camp Continued from Page 1 need for such a camp: “We would love to be put out of business,” Koopman says. each year which include such activities as boating Many children are injured because of their cu- trips, zoo outings and special overnighters for older riosity and lack of training when it comes to fi re; teens. Each year a week long summer camp is held. children playing with matches is a major source of According to Mark Koopman, Executive Director injury. Parents as well as children receive support of the Hoosier Burn Camp, “The week gives our kids from each other at the burn camp; instead of shar- a break from the stares and questions they can get ing misery they share their joy of life. in day to day life.” All of the children of the camp have been hurt, The Burn Camp motto is “A place to be just one either by accident or abuse and share these experi- of the Kids”, and Koopman says that, “They come to ences and feelings with others of like backgrounds. an atmosphere where their scars are normal, where The visible scars become invisible between the the other kids have similar experiences and for one members of the camp; here they are not different week they can be just one of the kids.” but all speak a common language that only those The Burn Camp is very much family orientated who have been through so much trauma can under- and the shared experiences and pain binds the stand. members together forming a close knit support Each year the families, that belong to the camp, group for survivors. Prevention is one of the goals of look forward to seeing each other and sharing sto- the Burn Camp and even though new survivors are ries and watching the growth of each other. One brought into the group each year it is Mark Koop- Boardwalk to beach THE August 8, 2013 Page 3 parent spoke of how diffi cult it is being a teen and especially having to live with such visible scars, she says that the camp literally saved her son’s life; “I don’t know if they (the camp organizers) really know the difference that they make for us,” she said with tears in her eyes. All are especially appreciative of Mark Koopman, who they affectionately call “Koop.” He takes a per- sonal role in each child’s life and often calls them when he knows that they are going through a dif- fi cult time. “Koop” is a family man, a father of two sons, and brings his own family to events. Mark Koopman Executive Director Hoosier Burn Camp Inc. Over the years the Burn Camp has been a source of support for over 200 burn survivors and their families. The camp becomes such a part of these survivors lives that when they reach their 18th birthday most take their place beside other older children and become camp counselors. The Hoo- sier Burn Camp is supported entirely by donations, which allow campers to attend at no cost to their families. The event held here on our lake shore was a “sum- mer family gathering”, and families from every part of our state came out to join the fun. Daryl West- phal, Michigan City Fire Department “A” Shift Bat- talion Chief, headed up the planning for the event Continued on Page 4 left to right Frank Rebac, Joe Zerbes, Jason Weiss THE Page 4 August 8, 2013 Hoosier Burn Camp Continued from Page 3 and was liaison between the fi re department and the Burn Camp; he also solicited donations from local organizations, businesses and individuals to cover expenses for the two day gathering. According to Westphal, when people heard about the camp and the work that it does with children, the donations poured in. Westphal was especially thankful to the Michigan City Park Department and the Offi ce of the Mayor for waiving all of the fees for parking, the zoo and Splash Pad for the burn survivors. He also mentioned the Clarion Hotel for offering special rates for their Saturday night stay. The people of Michigan City opened their hearts to Left to right Debbie and Ellie Fites, Niki and Pat Paquette the survivors of fi re and their families. make sturdy structures. Box lunches were provid- Saturday July 20 was a beautiful day for a romp ed as well as plenty of cold water to keep everyone on the beach. The day began at 10:00 a.m. with 170 hydrated. The kids and their parents worked hard campers and their family members meeting at the on their sand castles, even the little ones got in on Washington Park pavilion on the hill nearest the the act, and each admired their friend’s creations. Splash Pad. Mark Koopman welcomed all to the Many of the sandy structures were etched with the event and introduced Mayor Ron Meer who thanked words “Thank you Michigan City”. The day was the men of the Michigan City Fire Department for fi lled with smiles and the laughter of children. In all of the work that they had put into planning and the early afternoon the castles were judged and a hosting the Burn Camp and their families. winner was chosen to be announced at a breakfast the following morning. Fire Chief Ronnie Martin and Mayor Ron Meer Mark Koopman talks to campers At 4:00 p.m. the children and their parents gath- Fire Chief Ronnie Martin quoted Psalm 84 “I ered at the boat docks for a ride on the big lake. Din- would rather be a door keeper in the house of my ner was provided by the Water’s Edge Restaurant God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” and after which a game of “Candy Bingo” was played. he thanked all of the Burn Camp survivors for “let- ting us be instrumental in opening the door of our city to you”. He told them that they were the true heroes of the day. Several life guards were assigned to the group as special duty for the day and they gave a few point- ers on lake safety. Mark Koopman wrapped up the opening remarks by enjoining all to “have an enor- mously fun week end”. Then all were off down the board walk to the beach where plastic buckets and shovels were pro- vided for a sand castle building contest. Daryl West- phal and Mark Koopman helped the kids get started by showing them how to mix water with the sand to Daryl Westphal passes out buckets THE August 8, 2013 Page 5 After a day fi lled with sand, sun, boat rides a fi ne dinner and much laughter and camaraderie, all of the families returned to their hotel for a well-de- served rest. The event was capped off by a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning. Thanks to Michigan City, Mayor Meer, and espe- cially the Michigan City Fire Department the camp- ers of the Hoosier Burn Camp experienced a magi- cal family week end in the heart of dune country and made memories that they will carry with them all of their lives. For more information on the Hoosier Burn Camp see their web site www.hoosierburncamp.org Our Golf Course will challenge you… Our Golf Pros will teach you… Our Snack Shack will feed you… Our Beverage Cart will keep you “hydrated” Angeline and Michael (Greenfi eld In.) Our Staff will entertain you… Come to Briar Leaf and enjoy all of the “Good Stuff!” Affordable Golf Rates - Open to the Public Briar Leaf Golf Club Cutie on the beach 3233 N. SR 39 LaPorte, IN 219-326-1992 (Just 7 minutes south of New Buffalo) www.briarleaf.com Come celebrate our 40th Anniversary with us on Saturday, September 7th featuring live music by Point’n Fingers Band.