The Children’s Burn Foundation is an American not-for-profit organization established in 1985 with the mission to assist children who have been seriously injured in a fire. They are located in Sherman Oaks, California. As one of the leading not-for-profit organizations in the field of children’s charities, they focus on research, community service, and raising funds. The primary goal of the foundation is to prevent further child injury through education, prevention, and early intervention. They offer a variety of programs for children ranging from providing medical care, home, and school security systems, therapeutic services, and more. Their annual Burning Man Festival draws thousands of people from throughout the United States and around the world.
A major part of the Children’s Burn Foundation‘s work is their sponsorship of Kids Care, a Burn-A-Rifle foundation program that provides children with the tools and encouragement they need to survive when involved in a fire. Through Kids Care, children gain the skills they need to survive and are taught the priceless lessons of courage, cooperation, and respect. These lessons remain alive even after the child has left the burning building. Children learn how to behave in a crisis situation by participating in the program. During the summer camp, children will learn how to build a community through support and teamwork.
The foundation sponsors a Burn-A-Rifle program that is designed to train children in survival skills in case of an emergency. This program uses a mock shooting situation to prepare children for any type of emergency situation. Children learn to act quickly and safely in a stressful situation where lives are on the line. They learn to identify the right people to call for help, where to go and what to do in a crisis. Through this training, children learn to think logically about what to do in a dangerous situation rather than just instinctually responding.
The Burn-A-Rifle foundation trains children in first aid as well as CPR. They teach children how to use a piece of equipment called a medic kit to give first aid if they get in trouble. CPR is also taught to children. This helps children understand what happens when a heart attack or stroke occurs. By learning this skill children can help themselves while waiting for medical assistance.
The Burn-A-Rifle training not only teaches children how to protect them and other people from danger, but it also teaches children the importance of taking care of themselves. Kids learn self-discipline and the value of working together as a team. As kids work with the program on a daily basis they gain confidence in their abilities and they begin to take pride in their abilities.
The Burn-A-Rifle foundation trains kids in areas such as physical therapy. Kids learn techniques to prevent injuries during sports and physical activity. This includes pediatric, body mechanics and sports medicine. During these sessions the foundation provides kids with drills and activities they can perform at home. Kids are then able to share these activities with others.
In addition to the physical therapy foundation is also teaching kids leadership skills. Leadership is about helping kids achieve their goals and becoming successful. Kids learn the skills necessary to become responsible, adaptable adults. By learning how to manage their time, budget, and organization they develop the skills to be effective leaders.
Many schools participate in the Burn-A-Rifle program. One school district has a Burn-A-Rifle chapter which meets regularly. At these meetings parents and children get to know each other. The children foundation provides a great opportunity for families to get to know one another. It also gives children an opportunity to work side by side with children from different backgrounds. As a result the students enjoy the program and have more fun learning with each other.
