Comfortable in their own skin

Three dozen children got to do something this week they don't often get to enjoy: put on bathing suits and jump in the water, free from stares and questions.

The children are participating in Tampa General Hospital's Camp Hopetake, a weeklong camp for burn victims.

"People know what you've been through," said Celina Rosales, 15. The junior at Lakewood Ranch High School was scalded by hot water when she was 2 years old. She was in a coma for a while. As she grew older, the scars from that burn were a source of embarrassment - but not anymore.

"I like my scars," she said. "They're a part of me."

Celina says she has Camp Hopetake to thank for that confidence. During the camp, which she's been coming to for seven years, she can show her scars without fear people will ridicule her.

"They give me a lot of confidence," she said.

Camp Hopetake is celebrating its 20th year. It was started by Tampa Fire Rescue as a weekend getaway for Bay area youngsters ages 5 through 17 who have suffered burns. It has since been extended to a weeklong camp.

The $1,000-per-child cost is funded through donations to TGH and Tampa Firefighters and Paramedics IAFF 754.

TGH nurses, therapists, firefighters and paramedics serve as volunteer counselors. The kids stay at the University of South Florida during the week. Monday they spent the day at Disney's Magic Kingdom. Tuesday, they went to the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Wednesday was dedicated to Adventure Island. Thursday they went on a bowling outing and to a dance. The week culminated on Friday with a trip to Busch Gardens. But TGH nurse Gerri Spidle says it's the quiet moments at night with the kids in their pajamas that makes that makes the biggest impact.

She said some of the children "come here covered up showing no skin at all" and within days they're taking those coverings off. She says once they see other children dealing with similar scars, it makes it easier for them.

One of those children is 15-year-old Maddi Runge, a burn patient because of a condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which was brought on by a reaction to medicine. SJS is a life-threatening condition affecting the skin in which cell death causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis.

Maddi has attended the camp for four years and loves it.

"We can be ourselves and not care what everyone thinks." Maddi said. "I can show my skin."

Maddi and Celina became friends at camp and look forward to it every year.