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Largest group of children yet attends Camp David

Camp hosted by Texas Burn Survivor Society

KERRVILLE – About 70 children are halfway through a week-long summer camp that lets them be themselves and meet others who have gone through similar situations.

Camp David, held at Kerrville's Texas Lions Camp, is in its 21st year. It’s hosted by the Texas Burn Survivor Society.

"I got burned by a bonfire," Gloria Velasquez, 8, said. The burn survivor said she remembers the day of her injury well.

"We were roasting marshmallows and the tip of my dress caught on fire. I was 6," Velasquez said.

This year is the first time Velasquez has attended Camp David.

In the crowd were familiar faces, like Sean Bigelow, who has attended camp for 11 years. He was burned in a car fire when he was a 1-year-old.

"I don't remember a thing," Bigelow said. The teen will only be eligible to attend camp one more year, but he said he plans to return in the future as a counselor.

Camp David features many of activities including swimming, horseback riding, rock wall climbing and fishing. All activities are free of charge. They’re paid for by the proceeds from the Fuego 5K walk/run, donations and fundraisers.

In 2016, with 69 campers, it is the largest group of children Camp David has ever had. Campers have all been impacted by the after effects of fire. They're either burn survivors themselves, siblings of burn survivors or children of burn survivors.

"These kids are wonderful and without this camp, they wouldn't be who they are," said Jenny Oliver, with the Texas Burn Survivor Society.

Participants make lifelong friends and said they are grateful for everyone who makes the camp possible.