Summer break means summer camp.

Fun times to gather with peers, share activities, experiences and build life-long friendships.

Despite his limitations of being in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and having also suffered burns as a child, it’s been no different for Hunter Wittrock.

Every summer for the past 13 years, Hunter has had the opportunity to be a part of an “all-inclusive” experience at Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp (OKFFBC).

Founded in 1999, the nonprofit organization provides an opportunity for children ages 6 to 16 who’ve experienced major burns or disfiguring injuries requiring hospitalization to “make new and life-long friends with other burn survivors in a setting of love, support and unconditional acceptance.”

Wanting to give back to the camp that has given so much to him, Hunter came up with an idea for a fundraiser.

With the support of his parents, Jeff and Heather Wittrock, he organized the Blazin’ Past Burns 5k and 1-mile run which will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 23, starting at First Baptist Church of Kingfi sher.

“The goal is to raise $7,500 which will primarily be used to make improvements at the camp for wheelchair-bound individuals,” Jeff said.

At the current location, Camp Egan in Tahlequah, he said there is a significant need for better accessibility for disabled campers.

In addition, Hunter said 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the OKFFBC, which never charges a fee for campers to attend.

All participants, will receive a Blazin’ Past Burns t-shirt, swag bag and finisher medal, as well an entry for raffle prizes.

There is also a virtual 5k registration option where runners can post their times and receive a medal.

Runners and volunteers can sign up online and donations can also be made on the website.

Expressing his gratitude for the many local businesses who’ve stepped up to sponsor the race, Jeff said if anyone else is interested in providing a sponsorship, the deadline to be included on the t-shirt is March 15, which is also the deadline to register for the race in time be guaranteed a t-shirt.

Another important aspect of the race, Heather said, is to help increase awareness about the camp, particularly for potential campers and volunteers in the western half of Oklahoma.

“When Hunter was a camper, he was the only one this side of I-35 and not everyone recognizes the camp is for the entire state,” she said.

Expressing his love for the camp and the individuals involved, Hunter said his goal is not only to raise money for improvements, but to get the word out about the camp to people all over the state.

Local firefighters will be present and the OKFFBC board of directors will be on hand for the check presentation before the race.

Having developed a love for racing since receiving the gift of an adaptive jogger last fall, Hunter will be lined up at the starting line with his dad behind him ready to race to the finish along with all the other participants.

Since receiving his specialized jogger, Hunter has participated in over 15 races with either his dad or his special friend, Bethany Piotrowski, propelling him to the finish line.

With a total of 30 races, including six half-marathons, on the roster for 2024, Hunter said he plans to compete in eight races in the month of March alone.

Spurred on by his love for the camp and love of racing, Hunter said as a camp volunteer and a member of the fundraising committee, he wanted to get outside his comfort zone and do something for the camp, beyond one week in the summer.

Reflecting on his camp experiences, Hunter said it’s more like family and friends, loving and accepting each other no matter what.

“It’s a week of love that the campers get to be ‘normal’ and not have their scars looked at,” Heather said.

“We hope the community will come out and support the race and Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp.”

( Ed. note: For more information on the race, see the ad on Page 3 of this edition.)