For more than 25 years, children between the ages of 8 and 18 who suffer from severe burns spend one week at the Arthur C. Luf Children's Burn Camp in Union to do whatever they please.
"We instill in them that we don't want them to be judged by their scars and that they can do anything in life," Stephen Lupinacci, the camp director, said.
This year, more than 70 children took part in the free camp.
"I don't have to be afraid of people looking at me, taking off my shirt, just be me," Brando Martinez, camper, said.
Most counselors are volunteers and retired firefighters.
Children from all over the country attend the seven-day camp, counselors said, and they enjoy games and activities aimed at improving self-esteem and creating friendships.
