Join us in the upcoming events for 2025
Embers of Hope Burn Camp
AUGUST 7-10, 2025 - Register Here
Our Mission
Embers of Hope Camp is a free 4-day, 3-night camp held at Lake Swan Camp in Melrose, Florida, for children ages 6 through 17 who have sustained a burn injury. The camp’s mission is empowering children to embrace their burns, fostering a sense of community among peers, and promoting joy through fun-filled experiences. Embers of Hope Camp aims to provide a safe space for campers to engage in common summer fun activities, attend breakout sessions to learn coping skills on the challenges of being a burn survivor, and talk with peers about their experiences.
The Perfect Mix of Fun & Support
Embers of Hope Camp serves as a place for children to see other children with scars to find a sense of acceptance and community that they are not alone. Attending the overnight camp provides time for campers to step away from their day to day environment and be surrounded and supported by others that share a similar experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camp cost?
Camp is completely free for your child.
Where is camp located?
Lake Swan Camp is in Melrose, FL
How long is camp?
Camp is 4 days and 3 nights.
Will I be able to talk to my child during camp?
Campers will have access to phones each evening.
Are there trained medical personnel onsite?
Yes, the camp will have a designated paramedic on site at all times.
Who sponsors the camp?
Camp is sponsored by Marion County Firefighters Benevolence Fund, local fire departments, local unions, and local businesses.
Who will be my child’s counselor?
Our counselors are people that are connected to the burn community (burn survivors, firefighters, burn nurses, etc.) and are cleared through the state of Florida.
Saltwater Classic “Inshore Slam”
September 26-27, 2025
April 17-18, 2026
Join us for the annual Saltwater Classic, a fishing competition bringing together anglers of all skill levels to support MCFBF. Proceeds go directly to our community programs, making every catch a contribution.
Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt sale
The Marion County Firefighters Benevolence Fund is pleased to announce the Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt sale. All proceeds will benefit "Michelle-O-Grams". "Michelle-O-Gram" was established following the untimely death of a local young wife and mother, Michelle Blauser Standridge. Michelle, wife of then MCFR Lieutenant Craig Standridge, succumbed to breast cancer in 2009 at the young age of 36. During her three year battle, Michelle was always thinking of others and reminding them to get their mammograms. To continue Michelle's legacy, Joey Wiesbaum RN, of Dunnellon, Florida, had a clever idea for a nonprofit-Michelle-O-Gram. MCFR is proud to continue our support of Michelle O Grams! Please buy a T-shirt to help find a cure! Next years sales will begin September 2025