The Roger Pepper Adventure Camp for Teen and Young Adult Burn Survivors
Roger Pepper Adventure Camps originated in 1999 and are the brainchild of keynote speaker and artist Allison Massari. Named after the courageous man who pulled Massari from the blazing inferno of her car in 1998, these camps were founded on the advent of Allison’s own recovery. Her intention has always been to help build confidence, hope, and healing in children and teens with severe burn injuries.
“For a young person who is suffering, it is vital for them to know that they can hang on – especially when they feel alone. They can go back to the memory of their experiences at the camp and know that they are truly cared for and supported, and that they are capable of doing great things. There is no substitute for that.”
Each year, Massari raises the money so that these innovative and revolutionary outdoor sports programs can continue to transform young people’s lives. The teens who attend these camps don’t pay a cent, which creates a poignant opportunity for all campers to feel the support of the world around them. These camps offer extraordinary results.
“We do need your help. Please forward this link to your friends. Thank you so very much. These camps are truly changing young people’s lives.”
We have a great update! In 2025 the camps are expanding to include programs for young adults!
For years, we have noticed a very deep need for underserved people in the burn community, and that is for our young adults. As soon as someone turns 21, the vast majority of funded, public support drops off. Yet, this is the time in any young adult’s life when, very often, they feel vulnerable entering the world. They are wanting to find direction, to find their purpose, to find the right career—and so much more. Imagine, facing the world as a young adult with all of these uncertainties, while at the same time still grappling with the reality of living a life with internal and external scars that are still healing. This is where we are excited to further serve.
Please scroll down to see more great photos of this wonderful program and for details on how to donate through the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, CO.
Tax Deductible Donations
To make your tax-deductible donation See Below
To make a donation by mail to these camps, please write your check out to “Adaptive Sports Center” and make a note on the check, "For Roger Pepper Adventure Camps."
Please mail your check to:
Adaptive Sports Center “For Roger Pepper Adventure Camps”
P.O. Box 1639
Crested Butte, CO 81224
* Please be certain to make a note on your check that your donation is for the “Roger Pepper Adventure Camps” because the Adaptive Sports Center has many programs.
Thank you!
When President Carter and Mrs. Carter surprised us with a visit, it was one of our most special days! Their love, gentleness and heartfelt kindness are dearly missed! May they both rest in peace.
Invite a Teen to Attend these Free Camps!
We are looking for year-round volunteers to help spread the word about this free camp for teen burn survivors!
You could change a young person's life... Someone right in your neighborhood!
If you know of a burn survivor, age 14-18, please let them know they can apply to attend the Roger Pepper Adventure Camps. We have a Summer and Winter program every year! The burns can be older, from when they were younger, or from a more recent injury—and any percentage.
The best way for someone to hear about the camps and feel encouraged to attend is to be invited by someone personally. I would love your help in inviting these kids and encouraging them to apply! We are always actively looking for attendees. Your help spreading the word is truly valuable.
Applicants can reach out to:
Richard Paylor, CTRS at the Adaptive Sports Center.
Phone: (970) 349-2296 x114
Applications can be found at this link.
Thank you for your kindness and support!
Participants
“This is why I live my life. To meet other people like me and experience what I have. I love this camp so much they have done so many things for me and other burn survivors! Thank you Allison Massari.”
Jenna Bullen
Roger Pepper Adventure Camp Participant 2013
“Omgsh Allison is the sweetest person I have ever met! She is such an inspiration to all of us. Thank you so much for providing such a great experience for all of us. We are all so thankful of your generosity! Camp is such a great opportunity to learn and relate with other kids who went through the same thing I did and to just have a great time! (Thanks again so much Allison for everything you have done for all of us at camp. It was so great to meet you!)”
Leah Culkar
Roger Pepper Adventure Camp Participant 2010
“Allison you are literally the most precious person I have yet to meet. Your heart is huge. You’re stunning and beautiful. And I look up to you so much. Thank you for providing me with love, wisdom, and encouragement. You are a huge inspiration to me, I’m beyond blessed to even have someone like you know my name.”
Kim Poling
Roger Pepper Adventure Camp Participant 2000
“Everyone at Roger Pepper says you can do it and you will shine, and it’s true. There is no situation worse than being burned so there is nothing you can put in front of me that I cannot handle.”
Kim Poling
Kim is currently wrapping up her undergraduate work and will be starting a MBA program next fall.
Almost 15 years ago, at our first camp, I met Kim Poling. Kim was a precious person, an extraordinary dancer and despite her heartbreaking story of being burned, her presence could light up a room. What impressed me most was that she sincerely gave love and kindness to everyone around her. Kim’s burns shattered her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Due to her injuries,her doctors told her it would be impossible. Kim attended the Roger Pepper Camp at a turning point in her life. Camp opened her eyes to a “can do” attitude and helped her realize she would not take “no” for an answer. Kim trained her way through the pain of stretching her scars and went on to dance with some of the most revered Russian ballet companies in the United States. I am so proud of her!
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Allison Massari has no ownership in this camp or the Adaptive Sports Center and does not receive any sort of financial compensation. We thank you for your generosity.
