The Burns Support Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 1990 and receives no government funding. 
The BSF relies on fundraising efforts (such as raffles and donations) to continue operating. The BSF is tax exempt
as of  November 2001. It is managed by burn survivors, relatives of burn survivors and professional staff working
for the NSW Severe Burn Injury Service who volunteer their time.

The BSF is open to all survivors and their families.

 We  know that the emotional effects of a burn may continue to reverberate through the emotional life of the family
for many years after the original incident.  The BSF aims to be available to help patients and their families through
these difficult times.

The Burns Support Foundation’s charter is to provide direct and indirect support and assistance to anyone who has
been burnt as well as their families. Support services include a parent/carer support group, a young adults group,
a telephone help line and referral service, a newsletter (circulation  2350), and family camps which are run
biannually. Specific practical support includes meeting individual special needs (eg paying for high quality wigs) and
also the provision of some financial assistance in circumstances of extreme hardship
(eg for car repairs, telephone charges). 

The Family Camp is a major initiative of the BSF.   Our first Family Camp was held in 1993 and  to our best
knowledge was the first organization in the world to perceive the need for family camps and to put this awareness
into practical activity.  We presented a paper on our camps at the 1989 International Burns Conference in Israel. 
The family camp has been named Camp Corroboree which is an Aboriginal word signifying a gathering of men,
women and children to discuss new ideas, celebrate a re-birthing through initiation, or a coming together to share
a common grief.

 These biannual family camps provide a safe environment in which families who have shared similar experiences
and who have similar needs can meet. Camp participants are also encouraged to take part in challenging activities
that they would not normally have the opportunity to enjoy. These activities may include rock climbing, abseiling,
flying foxes and canoeing for example. Camp Corroboree remains unique in that it is the only camp which offers
the above activities and advantages combined with counselling expertise that is burn specific.

 Families and parents come to recognise that they are not alone in their struggle. They learn from each other
through sharing their experiences and give and receive emotional support. These benefits are facilitated and
encouraged through the group sessions and also through the individual efforts of mentors. Mentors may be
survivors or family members who, with support from the  Support  Co-ordinator, take on the role of helping new
participants feel welcome by introducing them to others, encouraging conversation and involving them in activities.

The BSF  believes strongly in the value of the camps in the adjustment of burn survivors and their families. This
was evidenced in the results of a survey conducted by Cheri Templeton (BSF President) and Sandra Spalding
(Support  Co-ordinator). The aim of the survey was to assess whether the camps met the needs of participants and
what might be done to improve the camp experience for them. The results of this survey were presented at 
International Burns Conferences in Japan 2004, Australia 2004, Portugal 2005 & South Africa 2005.

 The BSF  has a current  Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Continuance  and  a Risk Management Plan for the
camp which sets out guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all concerned.

Without your help we are unable to provide the care that is needed.  We believe everyone deserves the best
possible chance for a full recovery, both physically and mentally .Should you be able to assist us in improving
services to burn survivors and their families, this would be greatly appreciated.  We believe that the personal value
of your contribution to participants would be enormous and would far outweigh the financial outlay. 

 Our dedicated Committee meet once a month in order to discuss important issues involving the Foundation.
Should you wish to become a member of our team  please contact the Foundation.  If  you would like to access
any of our services or would like any more information please contact us by telephone or email.