The Bamberg Fire Department is sponsoring a Fireman's Fun Day Saturday on the U.S. 78 railroad berm in front of the Piggly Wiggly.

Kevin Sandifer of the BFD said the purpose of the event, which will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., is to raise funds to help send children who are burn victims to "Camp Can Do."

"Camp Can Do" is a camp designed for children who have been treated for serious burn injuries. Established in 1997 after 10 years of planning, Camp Can Do is co-sponsored by the MUSC Children's Hospital Pediatric Burn Center and South Carolina's firefighters. The camp is supported by the Burned Children's Fund.

Sandifer said the goal of Camp Can Do is to give children a fun, unforgettable summer camp experience and to help them realize they "can do" anything. Any child between the ages of 6-17, who lives in South Carolina and has been treated for a serious burn injury, can attend he said.

Sandifer said he's hopeful that the fire department will be able to raise enough money to help provide a few children with the experiences that the camp provides.

"Camp Can Do builds self-esteem and provides a venue for children to develop friendships with others who have experienced similar injuries," he said. "Fun-filled activities include canoeing, magic shows, cultural exhibits, visits from local fire departments and emergency services professionals, arts and crafts, swimming, boat rides, fishing, a karaoke dance party, relay games and much, much more."

Sandifer said Firefighters Fun Day will have events for children and adults including a dunking booth for those who are looking forward to dunking Assistant Fire Chief Buddy Sandifer.

"The children will enjoy the 40 foot blow-up fire truck slide and waterslide while the adults will keep themselves entertained in the inflatable boxing ring," Kevin Sandifer said. "The community will also enjoy the opportunity to purchase raffle ticket chances, bake sale items, spaghetti dinners, snow cones, cotton candy, candy apples and other concessions. A fire prevention booth and smoke trailer will be available for fire prevention education."

Children will be able to have their pictures made with "Freddie the Feline" and enjoy a petting zoo from 10:30 a.m. to noon, he said.

A raffle will be held in conjunction with the activities. The first place prize is $100 worth of gas. The second place prize is $50 cash, and the third place prize is $15 cash.

Tickets for the raffle/spaghetti dinner can be purchased by calling 803-245-5550 or 803-664-4307. Spaghetti dinners should be picked up from the fire department from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and the cost is $5.00 a plate.

Those interested in assisting young victims to attend "Camp Can Do" can also send their donations to the Bamberg Fire Department, c/o City Hall, Bamberg, SC 29003.

You must be logged in to comment.