Burn Advocates Network, Ltd.

Camp Sababa, Israel's Burn Camp for Children is the first specialized camp for burn survivors in the Middle East.  Alternating between the shores of the Sea of Galilee at Kibbutz Haon and Kibbutz Eilat, Camp Sababa has become an experience that has changed and continues to change the lives of many young burn survivors, who, in the company of other survivors, find acceptance and healing.

When we started the camp, we were not sure a camp that served Jews, Christians, and Muslims would be accepted in the Middle East. It is now clear that our multicultural and multilingual approach yields astonishing results, friendships, and happiness, as part of the survivors’ journey to reintegration.

Our goal has always been to create a warm environment for burned children who struggle to overcome the isolation and depression that come with their injuries and to help them build self-confidence and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Together with a staff of over 40 therapists, social workers and volunteers from the burn units of Israel’s leading hospitals, each year we provide the children with unique activities that encourage them to try something new. For instance the “Drum Circle” is a gathering of all the campers and staff led by renowned percussionist Gilad Dobrecky.The drum circle is an opportunity for the campers to learn how to play many different and unusual types of percussion instruments. Even children whose hands were severely damaged were included in this activity with the use of improvised and adaptive instruments. At a Sababa drum circle, we harness the healing powers of music, the universal language.

Some of the activities we offer the burn-scarred children are outdoor adventures and rope courses. They are not only fun and exciting but they are rewarding because they teach the children to trust each other and trust themselves.

Each year, between 45-50 campers are able to come to Camp Sababa for a full session which is free of charge including medical care and transportation expenses.