Five Years of ‘Jammin for the Camp’
If you’re looking for an unforgettable evening filled with music, community and a chance to make a difference, you won’t want to miss the fifth annual “Jammin’ for the Camp” at Foster Park.
From 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 13, bring your Jeep (or any vehicle) for a night of live music from the Beastie Boys cover band Check Your Head, delicious food and an incredible camaraderie from the Kokomo community for a good cause.
Photo Provided | Scott McKay
Over five years ago, Kokomo firefighter Scott McKay and some of his fellow firefighters had an experience that offered them a rare sense of closure. After helping transport a child to The Hoosier Burn Camp in Battle Creek, Indiana, they witnessed firsthand the healing and hope the camp provides to young burn survivors and their families.
Photo Provided | Scott McKay
The Hoosier Burn Camp is a unique, fee-free camp designed to support young survivors of severe burn injuries. It aims to promote both emotional and physical healing, not just for the survivors, but also for the first responder community.
“The Burn Camp establishes the closure for the firefighters. You get to see beyond the injury; you can witness the healing,” McKay shared.
Executive Director of the nonprofit Mark Koopman emphasized the importance of the camp’s consistent support, noting that some children undergo dozens of surgeries before they turn 18. The camp's multiple trips and gatherings throughout the year play a crucial role in the healing process.
“With any trauma or any relationship, you can’t gather once and everything is solved. Continuity is extremely important,” said Koopman.
Photo Provided | Scott McKay
For $25, you can secure a parking spot for an up-close and personal view of the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion, where Check Your Head will be performing a special edition of the Summer Concert Series.
“Instead of a drive-in movie, it’s a drive-in concert,” McKay explained, attributing the event’s success to the support from local businesses and organizations.
The event will feature a beer garden and burgers from The Coterie, Food from Hawg Heaven, HomeTeam Ice Cream and Kra-Z Donuts.
McKay, a lifelong Jeep enthusiast, is passionate about leveraging the Jeep community to support this meaningful cause.
“We always try to keep it as local as possible while blending in the Jeep layer. I’ve had Jeeps my whole life and wanted to use the Jeep community for the good of a cause,” said McKay.
Now in its fifth year, “Jammin’ for the Camp” continues to grow, with McKay hopeful it will thrive as long as the community remains engaged.
“Every year after the event it’s gotten a little bit bigger,” he said. “As long as I can get a couple hundred cars in the park to hang out, it will keep going on.”
To learn more about this event, click here.