Spring 2026

Dear Prospective Counselor,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a counselor at Central Virginia Burn Camp. We are a nonprofit organization that provides a free summer camp experience for children ages 7-17 who have experienced burn injuries. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where campers can enjoy meaningful, fun activities, connect with peers who share similar experiences, and build confidence as they continue their recovery.

Our Organization

Central Virginia Burn Camp is operated entirely by volunteers. We are supported through generous contributions from professional firefighters across Virginia, the Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association / Burn Survivors Foundation, the Old Dominion Firefighters Burn Foundation, several United Way campaigns, and other dedicated community partners.

Camp Information

2026 camp dates are June 7-13, with mandatory counselor orientation beginning on June 6^th.

This year marks our 31st Camp Anniversary, and the theme for the week will be “Outer Space.” Activities throughout the week will reflect this exciting theme. We encourage you to think creatively about how you can contribute to the theme—bring decorations for the dining hall, costumes if you’d like, and instruments and other talents for the variety show and campfires.

Counselor Role and Responsibilities

We are seeking counselors who can commit to the entire week of camp. There may also be volunteer opportunities for those interested in assisting with specific short-term activities. Counselors are responsible for their campers’ well-being and safety, actively participating with them in camp activities and meals, and assisting with cabin upkeep. The typical counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:2. In addition, counselors help with campers’ rehabilitation and medical needs, working with camp directors and medical staff as needed. All camp activities are run by our own staff and counselors, so please indicate in your application what activities you are willing to help with as well as any other interests or talents that you have and can share with us at camp.

Who Can Be a Counselor?

Our counselors are a diverse group, including therapists, nurses, other healthcare professionals, firefighters, university and college students, adult burn survivors, and other dedicated adults. Counselors must be at least 20 years old, while Counselors-In-Training may be between 18 and 20 years old.

Camp Activities

Camp activities include swimming, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, hiking, a ropes challenge course and zipline, archery, yoga, Camp Olympics, the Camp Carnival, educational programs, off-camp adventures, and a variety of evening programs such as movies, dances, singing, campfires, and the Variety Show. All meals are prepared and served by state and local firefighters. We sleep in comfortable, air-conditioned cabins.

Application Process

Please submit your completed application by March 20th to begin the interview process. Applicants are also required to complete a notarized criminal history background check form. Instructions will be provided upon receipt of your application, and all related costs are covered by the camp.

Counselor applications are available on our website: www.vaburncamp.org under the “New Counselors” section. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you,

Leslie Baruch

Central Virginia Burn Camp Co-Director