Hello AARBF Family. Happy February!

My name is Andrew Mersmann, and I am the Director of Programs and Services. We have a change this month and going forward in our communication with you. I will be providing you with an overview of our programs and events available within the coming weeks. If you are interested in participating in any of our camps, recreational activities and support groups and need more information, please contact the team member indicated. All AARBF team members are happy to assist you, but you will receive a prompter response using the direct contact for the team member listed.

The month of February brings so many things in its short 28 days, from Valentine’s candy to long holiday weekend. It also brings us National Burn Awareness Week, the month of February 5-11.

In January we were pummeled by much needed rain, but it overwhelmed so many of us throughout California. With the external overwhelm of nature, it is also natural for us to feel a lot of internal overwhelm. Our support groups, listed below, are such a valuable resource to strengthen each other and connect with those who truly understand the journey.

There are also big events in February, including the Young Adult Summit (February 17-20: President’s Day Weekend) for burn survivors ages 16-20 in gorgeous Camp Ocean Pines on the coast of Cambria.

If 16-20 is not your age range, that same long weekend in February, our Adult Retreat shares the camp for a weekend of connection and exploration in a gold-standard program by survivors for survivors.

Here’s hoping you find many ways to feel connected all month!

See you soon, Andrew/Monkey

If you are a burn survivor and family member and wish to be added to our monthly email, please email [email protected] and indicate your region.

February 17-20, 2023

Ages 16-20
Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria

Registration is still open for our Young Adult Summit (YAS). Space is limited. If you have already started your application, please get it completed before Friday, February 3, 2023 to ensure your spot.

Click here for additional information to help you plan for this weekend activity and to register ASAP before the trip fills up! Or, go straight to the registration using the link below.

For questions regarding YAS, please contact McKenzie “Bubble” Dern at [email protected] or 559-286-0710 ext. 150.

February 17-20, 2023

Ages 21+
Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria

We only have a couple of spots left for the Adult Retreat. If you have not completed your application, please do so right away to ensure your spot. The application deadline is this Friday, February 3, 2023.

For questions regarding the Adult Retreat, please contact McKenzie “Bubble” Dern at [email protected] or 559-286-0710 ext. 150.

Click here to for additional information to help you plan for this weekend activity and to register. Or, go straight to the registration using the link below.

March 3-5, 2023

Women ages 21+
Calvin Crest, Oakhurst

Join us for a weekend retreat designed exclusively for women burn survivors, ages 21+. During this weekend, we will focus on concerns specific to women, in a safe space that fosters healing, growth and empowerment.

To learn more about this trip and to register, click here. Or, go straight to the registration using the link below.

For questions regarding the Women’s Empowerment Weekend, please contact McKenzie “Bubble” Dern at [email protected] or 559-286-0710 ext. 150.

March 10-12, 2023

Ages 7-17
Bear Valley

For the first time we have opened the ski trip to all burn survivors, ages 7-17, throughout the state of California! This is a great time to reconnect with your camp friends while enjoying skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobiling! Don’t worry – lessons are included!

To learn more about this trip and to register, click here. Or, go straight to the registration using the link below.

For questions regarding the Statewide Ski Trip, please contact McKenzie “Bubble” Dern at [email protected] or 559-286-0710 ext. 150.

We have made some changes to our support group registration process. Please contact Scott Wertz at [email protected] or 415-495-7223 Ext. 190 for all group registrations, regardless of your region.

Our Zoom rooms have changed. You will need to be registered with Scott to receive the new Zoom links.

We are also working at restoring our regional groups to in-person. Scott will be happy to provide you with more information on this and address any concerns you may have.

Southern California – February 5, 2023 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Currently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. It is available to both survivors and their family members.

Fresno Community Regional Medical Center – February 9, 2023 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members. You may also contact Marissa McCallough at [email protected] to register.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center – February 1, 2023 (and March 1, 2023) from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. Currently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. It is available to both survivors and their family members.

East Bay Burn Survivor – February 8, 2023 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members.

Saint Francis – February 23, 2023 from 11:30am – 1:00pm. Currently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. It is available to both survivors and their family members.

Caregiver – February 2, 2023 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online state-wide support group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of burn survivors. This group is closed to burn survivors.

Spanish Speaking – February 21, 2023 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This is an online support group specifically designed for Spanish-speaking burn survivors.

Statewide – February 16, 2023 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online support group open to both burn survivors and their loved ones throughout California.

Peer Support – Not everyone is comfortable in a group setting, which is why the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation offers one-on-one Peer Support. Peer Support is a power tool for healing from a burn trauma. There is something magical that happens when one survivor sits and shares their experience and healing process with another. Peer support can relieve the feeling of being all alone in your experience. Peer support can come in many forms; a burn survivor talking to another burn survivor, a parent talking to another parent or loved one. This service is not limited to burn survivors. A burn injury can affect the entire family, caregivers and other loved ones. Contact Scott Wertz at [email protected] to get started today.

Back to School Support (available upon request) – Contact Scott Wertz at [email protected] to learn more about this program.