Kibbutz Haon, Kinneret, Israel - The Middle East's first specialized camp for children who have survived serious burn injuries, opened March 30 at Kibbutz Haon on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. 25 campers ranging in age from 7 to 17 came from all parts of the country to share their experiences and enjoy the recreational activities planned by the Burn Advocates Network.

Together with a staff of over 30 therapists, social workers, and volunteers from the burn units of Israel's leading hospitals, the children were treated to a morning at a nature park and a very unusual music experience called a "Drum Circle." The drum circle was a gathering of all the campers who learned how to play many different types of percussion instruments. Even children whose hands were amputated or severly damaged were included in this activity with the use of improvised and adaptive instruments. As they drummed their sense of connection and community continued to grow.

"These activities are not just fun, but also an excellent way to bring the young burn survivors out of the state of isolation and depression, which frequently follows disfiguring burn injuries," said Marcia Levinson, head of physical therapy at Philadelphia Jefferson Hospital and co-founder of the camp.

Doctor Dave Mendes MD, the chief of plastic surgery at Meir Hospital, attended the drum circle, which was led by renowned Israeli percussionist Gilad Dobrecky. He introduced drums, bells, shakers and rattle which he used on the dozen platinum records he recorded with artists from Puff Daddy and LL Cool J. to jazz guitar virtuoso Vinny Valentino.

Mendes commented, "I can see how by learning to play an instrument these kids are changing. The smiles on their faces speak volumes about the effectiveness of this program. I hope my patients will have the opportunity to attend and get the benefits of this camp in the coming years. We know that healing the psychological trauma from burn scars is a process that continues for years after the surgeons and therapists have completed their treatment. The importance of reintegrating and restoring the patient to a productive life cannot be under-estimated."

The camp was founded by the Burn Advocates Network, which brings therapeutic music and recreational programs to camps and burn centers all across the United States. Burn Advocates founder and director Samuel Davis observed.

"This is the first time we are actually opening our own camp. It is clear that there is a tremendous need for this type of camp here, especially among the many minority groups in Israel's population. It is amazing to see religious and secular Jews, and young Muslims participate together in all our activities, sing the same songs, sleep in the same cabins together. Real bonding takes place during all these activities.