09/25/2026
We are incredibly proud to share that Parker; a Prince George youth has been selected to represent the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund at International Burn Camp in Washington, D.C.!
Parker’s journey with the Burn Fund began after a tragic accident in 2016, when he was just six years old. He suffered burns to approximately 40% of his body and was airlifted to Vancouver, where he spent a long time at BC Children’s Hospital. His journey didn’t end there — Parker has continued to undergo surgeries and navigate the challenges that come with growing up as a burn survivor.
As soon as he was old enough, Parker began attending Burn Camp. Year after year, he has grown not only as a burn survivor, but as a young man who has become an important part of the camp community.
At 16 years old and heading into Grade 11, Parker is an active basketball player, has an interest in the Prince George student in the workplace program, and has become a wonderful role model to some of our youngest campers. He has shown incredible growth, kindness and leadership, and it is those qualities that have earned him this very special opportunity.
Being selected for International Burn Camp is an incredible honour. Each year, burn camps across Canada and the United States select young burn survivors who demonstrate leadership and good citizenship to represent their camp at this special week-long experience.
Parker will travel to Washington, D.C., where he will join young burn survivors from across North America and fire fighter mentors for a week filled with friendship, leadership, new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
The campers get the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., visit the U.S. Capitol and Smithsonian museums, tour the U.S. Naval Academy, visit IAFF headquarters and fire stations, spend time with firefighters and other burn survivors, and participate in leadership, teamwork and peer-support activities. One of the most meaningful traditions is attending a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
But perhaps the most important part of International Burn Camp is the opportunity to meet other young people who understand something of Parker’s journey without him ever having to explain it. It is a chance to build friendships, share experiences, recognize the strength they already possess and see just how big their support network really is.
The Firefighters and Dispatchers from Local 1372 and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund are incredibly honoured to support Parker on this next chapter of his journey. A special thanks to dispatcher Stachoski for all her hard work to help Parker along in his journey. ❤️🔥
Parker’s story is also a reminder of something we are incredibly proud of in the North: being a burn survivor in Northern BC does not mean being alone.
The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund supports burn survivors and their families throughout BC and the Yukon, with programs that include Burn Camp, survivor retreats and community programs, and the Home Away Program in Vancouver for those who need to travel south for care. The Burn Fund’s mission is to support survivors through every stage of their recovery journey.
For Parker, Burn Camp has been part of his life since he was a little boy. Now, at 16, he is heading to Washington, D.C. not just as a burn survivor, but as a young leader who has grown into someone our youngest campers can look up to.
From a six-year-old boy being airlifted south for life-saving care, to a 16-year-old young leader representing BC on an international stage — we couldn’t be prouder of you, Parker. ❤️
We can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next.
🔥 Congratulations, Parker! 🔥
Attitude is Everything.
