Camp Hopetake, Children's Burn Camp

  Each year the Regional Burn Center at Tampa General Hospital along with Tampa Fire Fighters and Paramedics host Camp Hopetake (pronounced hope’ e’ tockee) for previously burned children.

  Approximately 40 children ages 4 thru 17 participate in this week long camping experience.  The children come from as far north as Gainesville and as far south as Naples, Florida.  The Tampa Firefighters and Paramedics, IAFF 754, underwrites the nearly $30,00-40,000 it takes to run the weeklong camp.  The counselors are nurses, firefighters and paramedics who donate their time.

  Camp Hopetake is conducted at the DaySpring Conference Center in Manatee County.

  Hopetake is the Florida Seminole Indian word for children.  For many children, coping with the social and emotional scars associated with burn injuries may be overwhelming.  At Camp Hopetake we provide a safe and supportive environment for our kids to share their feelings.

  Activities at Camp Hopetake this year included a trip to Adventure Island (special thanks to Adventure Island Water Park for sponsoring the children on this trip http://www.buschgardens.com/adventure/fla/index.html ); beach visits; lunch at Lowry Park Zoo; an airboat ride at Myakka River State Park and bowling.