The Camp Phoenix gang, children and volunteers, have a great time at Riverbank State Park.
Camp Phoenix, a program run entirely by Weill Cornell students, provides a free, safe, nurturing, fun-filled experience to children who have been treated for serious burns in the William Randolph Hearst Burn Center of NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center. On Saturday, Nov. 17, Camp Phoenix held its first event of the school year at Riverbank State Park on the Upper West Side (West 145th Street).
"After a burn injury, kids often have physical limitations, suffer from stress, and feel diminished self-esteem," said second-year student and Camp Phoenix founder Paul Mullan, who organized the first Camp Phoenix last year. "At our camp, we get them involved in activities like tag or capture-the-flag, arts and crafts, or the theater, fishing, or learning how to play an instrument. It brings them out, and instead of feeling isolated and resentful, they become happier and better adjusted."
First-year medical student Mustapha Saheed and friend solve an interesting game puzzle.
All of Camp Phoenix's activities are provided at no cost to the children (ages 7 to 12). Funding is provided through private donations. The medical students organized the camp in collaboration with medical staff of the Burn Center and the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.
"We believe the name of our camp is appropriate because the phoenix is a bird that has overcome adversity and prospered after rising out of the flames of hardship," said first-year student Minal Patel, who is serving as director of Camp Phoenix this year. "The children and the volunteers had a lot of fun, and everyone is looking forward to future outings at Camp Phoenix."
Also providing assistance for Camp Phoenix were Burn Center physical therapist Hope Laznick and recreational therapist Vivian Youngblood.
Weill Cornell students participate in many volunteer programs coordinated by the Medical College's Office of Community Service.
Camp Phoenix kids and NYFD firefighter Michael Lundy express their artistic talents as cake decorators.
Second-year student Joseph Mancias entertains the kids with his juggling skill.
Getting the snacks ready are first-year students Joshua Levinger and Minal Patel (director of Camp Phoenix).