This California camp is a getaway for children with cancer. Now much of it has gone up in flames | CNN

This California camp is a getaway for children with cancer. Now much of it has gone up in flames

By Cheri Mossburg, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 6:11 PM EDT, Fri September 11, 2020
A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of unincorporated Fresno County, California early on September 8, 2020. - Wildfires in California have torched a record more than two million acres, the state fire department said on September 7, as smoke hampered efforts to airlift dozens of people trapped by an uncontrolled blaze. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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California fire burns 1000 acres every 30 seconds
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A camp for pediatric cancer patients and their families is yet another casualty of the wildfires scarring California as the Bear Fire, part of the North Complex, burned through the area.

“We are heartbroken to let you know that we were notified today that there has been significant fire damage to our beloved Camp Okizu at Berry Creek,” Executive Director Suzie Randall posted on the organization’s website.

Camp Okizu hosts about 700 kids each year, along with their siblings and parents, giving them a respite from hospitals and doctor appointments.

One of the structures at Camp Okizu that has burned to the ground.
One of the structures at Camp Okizu that has burned to the ground.
Alie Skowronski/Sacramento Bee/Zuma

It is not yet clear if anything is left of the camp, which had a large lodge, 32 cabins, an extensive ropes course, and an infirmary to care for campers undergoing chemotherapy or those who might need blood draws.

Live updates on the wildfires

Board Member Hanna Malak has been visiting the camp since he was 8, when his older brother had leukemia. “I just got hooked,” he said. “There’s no place like it.” Malak says Okizu creates a traditional camping experience where the kids all know how each other feel. “It creates a special bond,” he said. Malak’s brother has since recovered.

A photo of Camp Okizu before the wildfires.
A photo of Camp Okizu before the wildfires.
Okizu

“It is devastating,” Malak said of the destruction. “I think I’m going through the stages of loss and feel like I’m still in denial. It’s still hard to believe, but we are staying positive and are especially thankful no one was hurt.”

Firefighters look out over a burning hillside as they fight the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, California, on Monday, October 26, 2020.
Firefighters look out over a burning hillside as they fight the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, California, on Monday, October 26, 2020.
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
A man evacuates his home as flames from the Blue Ridge Fire approach in Chino Hills, California, on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
A man evacuates his home as flames from the Blue Ridge Fire approach in Chino Hills, California, on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
David McNew/Getty Images
Firefighters conduct a backfire operation in Chino Hills on October 27, 2020.
Firefighters conduct a backfire operation in Chino Hills on October 27, 2020.
Myung J Chun/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches near Irvine, California.
A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches near Irvine, California.
Mike Blake/Reuters
Firefighter Raymond Vasquez battles the Silverado Fire in Irvine on Monday, October 26, 2020.
Firefighter Raymond Vasquez battles the Silverado Fire in Irvine on Monday, October 26, 2020.
Jae C. Hong/AP
Flames rise from mountain ridges near a farmstead as a wildfire burns near Granby, Colorado, on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
Flames rise from mountain ridges near a farmstead as a wildfire burns near Granby, Colorado, on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
David Zalubowski/AP
Evacuees drive through a traffic jam exiting Big Thompson Canyon as the East Troublesome Fire forced residents out of Estes Park, Colorado, on October 22, 2020.
Evacuees drive through a traffic jam exiting Big Thompson Canyon as the East Troublesome Fire forced residents out of Estes Park, Colorado, on October 22, 2020.
Bethany Baker/USA Today Network/Reuters
Structures burned by the Cal-Wood Fire are seen in Boulder County, Colorado, on October 18, 2020.
Structures burned by the Cal-Wood Fire are seen in Boulder County, Colorado, on October 18, 2020.
Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera/Getty Images
Flames from the Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, work their way along a ridge outside Estes Park on October 16, 2020.
Flames from the Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, work their way along a ridge outside Estes Park on October 16, 2020.
Bethany Baker/The Coloradoan/USA Today Network
An airplane drops fire retardant on the Bruder Fire in Redlands, California, on October 15, 2020.
An airplane drops fire retardant on the Bruder Fire in Redlands, California, on October 15, 2020.
Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
Dr. Alex Herman, right, and veterinary technician Linden West examine <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F10%2F01%2Fus%2Fmountain-lion-cub-rescued-california-zogg-fire%2Findex.html" target="_blank">Captain Cal,</a> a 6-week-old mountain lion cub recovering from severe burn injuries at the Oakland Zoo Hospital in Oakland, California. The zoo later took in <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F10%2F11%2Fus%2Foakland-zoo-mountain-lion-rescued-from-wildfire-trnd%2Findex.html" target="_blank">two more cubs rescued</a> from the same fire.
Dr. Alex Herman, right, and veterinary technician Linden West examine Captain Cal, a 6-week-old mountain lion cub recovering from severe burn injuries at the Oakland Zoo Hospital in Oakland, California. The zoo later took in two more cubs rescued from the same fire.
Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
Burned bottles of wine sit in a pile at the Castello di Amorosa winery, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire in Calistoga, California, on October 1, 2020. Wildfires have damaged and <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F10%2F11%2Fus%2Fcalifornia-wildfires-wineries%2Findex.html" target="_blank">destroyed dozens of the region's famed wineries,</a> many of them family-owned businesses.
Burned bottles of wine sit in a pile at the Castello di Amorosa winery, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire in Calistoga, California, on October 1, 2020. Wildfires have damaged and destroyed dozens of the region's famed wineries, many of them family-owned businesses.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
A firefighter walks along a path as the Glass Fire burns in Calistoga, California, on October 1, 2020.
A firefighter walks along a path as the Glass Fire burns in Calistoga, California, on October 1, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Vehicles burned in the Glass Fire sit outside of a home that survived in Calistoga on September 30, 2020.
Vehicles burned in the Glass Fire sit outside of a home that survived in Calistoga on September 30, 2020.
Samuel Corum/AFP/Getty Images
The remains of guest houses smolder at Calistoga Ranch after the Glass Fire passed through on September 30, 2020.
The remains of guest houses smolder at Calistoga Ranch after the Glass Fire passed through on September 30, 2020.
Samuel Corum/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighter Abraham Garcia signals a water truck in Angwin, California, on September 29, 2020.
Firefighter Abraham Garcia signals a water truck in Angwin, California, on September 29, 2020.
Paul Kuroda/Sipa USA
Firefighters watch the Glass Fire slowly creep across a clearing near Calistoga on September 29, 2020.
Firefighters watch the Glass Fire slowly creep across a clearing near Calistoga on September 29, 2020.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
Damaged wine barrels sit stacked at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga on September 29, 2020.
Damaged wine barrels sit stacked at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga on September 29, 2020.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
The Glass Fire burns in the background as Josh Asbury, an employee of CableCom, installs fiber-optic cable in Calistoga on September 28, 2020.
The Glass Fire burns in the background as Josh Asbury, an employee of CableCom, installs fiber-optic cable in Calistoga on September 28, 2020.
Adrees Latif/Reuters
Residents of the Oakmont Gardens senior home are transported to safety as the Shady Fire approaches in Santa Rosa on September 28, 2020.
Residents of the Oakmont Gardens senior home are transported to safety as the Shady Fire approaches in Santa Rosa on September 28, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Cellar worker Jose Juan Perez extinguishes hotspots at Castello di Amorosa, a Calistoga winery that was damaged in the 2020 Glass Fire.
Cellar worker Jose Juan Perez extinguishes hotspots at Castello di Amorosa, a Calistoga winery that was damaged in the 2020 Glass Fire.
Noah Berger/AP
An officer with Napa County Animal Control rescues a cat after the Glass Fire passed through Napa Valley, California, on September 28, 2020.
An officer with Napa County Animal Control rescues a cat after the Glass Fire passed through Napa Valley, California, on September 28, 2020.
Samuel Corum/AFP/Getty Images
The Glass Fire burns on a Napa County mountainside on September 28, 2020.
The Glass Fire burns on a Napa County mountainside on September 28, 2020.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Flames from the Glass Fire consume the Black Rock Inn in St. Helena, California, on September 27, 2020.
Flames from the Glass Fire consume the Black Rock Inn in St. Helena, California, on September 27, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena on September 27, 2020.
Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena on September 27, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Glass Fire, which was burning near the Davis Estates winery in Calistoga on September 27, 2020.
An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Glass Fire, which was burning near the Davis Estates winery in Calistoga on September 27, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena.
Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena.
Noah Berger/AP
A photograph of Charles Morton, a firefighter killed battling the El Dorado Fire, is displayed at a memorial service in San Bernardino, California, on September 25, 2020. Morton, 39, was a 14-year veteran of the US Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
A photograph of Charles Morton, a firefighter killed battling the El Dorado Fire, is displayed at a memorial service in San Bernardino, California, on September 25, 2020. Morton, 39, was a 14-year veteran of the US Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
An inmate firefighter takes a break while working to contain the Bear Fire in Oroville, California, on September 24, 2020.
An inmate firefighter takes a break while working to contain the Bear Fire in Oroville, California, on September 24, 2020.
Go Nakamura/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Inmate firefighters extinguish hot spots while working to contain the Bear Fire on September 24, 2020.
Inmate firefighters extinguish hot spots while working to contain the Bear Fire on September 24, 2020.
Go Nakamura/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Bobcat Fire burns near Cedar Springs, California, on September 21, 2020.
The Bobcat Fire burns near Cedar Springs, California, on September 21, 2020.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
Wildfire smoke rises in Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming on September 21, 2020.
Wildfire smoke rises in Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming on September 21, 2020.
Jerod Delay/AP
A deer looks for food in an area burned by the Bobcat Fire in Pearblossom, California, on September 20, 2020.
A deer looks for food in an area burned by the Bobcat Fire in Pearblossom, California, on September 20, 2020.
Kyle Grillot/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A woman takes photos as the Bobcat Fire burns in Juniper Hills, California, on September 18, 2020.
A woman takes photos as the Bobcat Fire burns in Juniper Hills, California, on September 18, 2020.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Wind whips embers from Joshua trees burned by the Bobcat Fire in Juniper Hills on September 18, 2020.
Wind whips embers from Joshua trees burned by the Bobcat Fire in Juniper Hills on September 18, 2020.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Firefighter Kirk McDusky walks past smoke rising from the Brattain Fire in Paisley, Oregon, on September 18, 2020.
Firefighter Kirk McDusky walks past smoke rising from the Brattain Fire in Paisley, Oregon, on September 18, 2020.
Adrees Latif/Reuters
A Juniper Hills home burns during the Bobcat Fire on September 18, 2020.
A Juniper Hills home burns during the Bobcat Fire on September 18, 2020.
Kyle Grillot/AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter battles the Bobcat Fire while defending the Mount Wilson observatory in Los Angeles on September 17, 2020.
A firefighter battles the Bobcat Fire while defending the Mount Wilson observatory in Los Angeles on September 17, 2020.
Ringo Chiu/Reuters
Stacey Kahny fixes her hair inside her tent at the evacuation center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, on September 16, 2020. Kahny lived with her parents at a trailer park in Phoenix, Oregon, that was destroyed by fire.
Stacey Kahny fixes her hair inside her tent at the evacuation center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, on September 16, 2020. Kahny lived with her parents at a trailer park in Phoenix, Oregon, that was destroyed by fire.
Paula Bronstein/AFP/Getty Images
A charred yearbook lies in the debris as Fred Skaff and his son Thomas clean up their home in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 16, 2020.
A charred yearbook lies in the debris as Fred Skaff and his son Thomas clean up their home in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 16, 2020.
Paula Bronstein/AFP/Getty Images
In this aerial photo taken with a drone, red fire retardant sits on leveled homes in Talent, Oregon, on September 15, 2020.
In this aerial photo taken with a drone, red fire retardant sits on leveled homes in Talent, Oregon, on September 15, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter works at the scene of the Bobcat Fire burning on hillsides near Monrovia, California, on September 15, 2020.
A firefighter works at the scene of the Bobcat Fire burning on hillsides near Monrovia, California, on September 15, 2020.
Ringo Chiu/AFP/Getty Images
President Donald Trump listens as California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about the wildfires during a briefing on September 14, 2020.
President Donald Trump listens as California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about the wildfires during a briefing on September 14, 2020.
Andrew Harnik/AP
George Coble walks through his destroyed property in Mill City, Oregon, on September 12, 2020.
George Coble walks through his destroyed property in Mill City, Oregon, on September 12, 2020.
John Locher/AP
The Bobcat Fire burns in Angeles National Forest, north of Monrovia, California, on September 11, 2020.
The Bobcat Fire burns in Angeles National Forest, north of Monrovia, California, on September 11, 2020.
Etienne Laurent/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Crystal Sparks kisses her 4-year-old twins, Chance and Ryder Sutton, as they escape the Obenchain Fire in Butte Falls, Oregon, on September 11, 2020.
Crystal Sparks kisses her 4-year-old twins, Chance and Ryder Sutton, as they escape the Obenchain Fire in Butte Falls, Oregon, on September 11, 2020.
Adrees Latif/Reuters
North Valley Disaster Group member Kari Zeitler and Butte County Animal Control officer Linda Newman bridle up two donkeys wandering along a roadside in Berry Creek, California, on September 11, 2020. The donkeys were displaced by the Bear Fire.
North Valley Disaster Group member Kari Zeitler and Butte County Animal Control officer Linda Newman bridle up two donkeys wandering along a roadside in Berry Creek, California, on September 11, 2020. The donkeys were displaced by the Bear Fire.
Peter DaSilva/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A firefighter shoots an incendiary device during a back burn to help control the Dolan Fire in Big Sur, California, on September 11, 2020.
A firefighter shoots an incendiary device during a back burn to help control the Dolan Fire in Big Sur, California, on September 11, 2020.
Nic Coury/AP
Dora Negrete is consoled by her son Hector Rocha after seeing their destroyed mobile home in Talent, Oregon, on September 10, 2020.
Dora Negrete is consoled by her son Hector Rocha after seeing their destroyed mobile home in Talent, Oregon, on September 10, 2020.
Paula Bronstein/AP
This aerial photo shows a destroyed mobile-home park in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 10, 2020.
This aerial photo shows a destroyed mobile-home park in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 10, 2020.
David Ryder/Getty Images
A street is shrouded by smoke from wildfires in West Linn, Oregon, on September 10, 2020.
A street is shrouded by smoke from wildfires in West Linn, Oregon, on September 10, 2020.
Christian Gallagher/AP
A tanker jet drops fire retardant to slow the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia, California, on September 10, 2020.
A tanker jet drops fire retardant to slow the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia, California, on September 10, 2020.
David McNew/Getty Images
Looking up San Francisco's Columbus Avenue, the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are covered with smoke from nearby wildfires on September 9, 2020. This photo was taken in the late morning.
Looking up San Francisco's Columbus Avenue, the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are covered with smoke from nearby wildfires on September 9, 2020. This photo was taken in the late morning.
Eric Risberg/AP
Visitors of San Francisco's Dolores Park are seen under an orange sky <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F09%2F09%2Fweather%2Fcalifornia-orange-skies-wildfires-photos-trnd%2Findex.html" target="_blank">darkened by smoke</a> on September 9, 2020.
Visitors of San Francisco's Dolores Park are seen under an orange sky darkened by smoke on September 9, 2020.
Stephen Lam/Reuters
Wildfire smoke hangs over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on September 9, 2020.
Wildfire smoke hangs over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on September 9, 2020.
Michael Short/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Bejhan Razi, a senior building inspector in Mill Valley, California, checks out repairs on a lamp-post clock as the sky is illuminated by nearby wildfires.
Bejhan Razi, a senior building inspector in Mill Valley, California, checks out repairs on a lamp-post clock as the sky is illuminated by nearby wildfires.
Scott Strazzante/The San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images
People stand in Alamo Square Park as smoke hangs over San Francisco on September 9, 2020.
People stand in Alamo Square Park as smoke hangs over San Francisco on September 9, 2020.
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images
People stop to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge as it is affected from smoke by nearby wildfires on September 9, 2020.
People stop to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge as it is affected from smoke by nearby wildfires on September 9, 2020.
Eric Risberg/AP
Firefighters cut defensive lines and light backfires to protect structures in Butte County, California, on September 9, 2020.
Firefighters cut defensive lines and light backfires to protect structures in Butte County, California, on September 9, 2020.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
Flames shoot from a home in Butte County.
Flames shoot from a home in Butte County.
Noah Berger/AP
A Pacific Gas and Electric worker looks up at the advancing Creek Fire near Alder Springs, California, on September 8, 2020.
A Pacific Gas and Electric worker looks up at the advancing Creek Fire near Alder Springs, California, on September 8, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Lisa Theis unloads the last of her 44 alpacas after she evacuated her ranch in North Fork, California.
Lisa Theis unloads the last of her 44 alpacas after she evacuated her ranch in North Fork, California.
Peter DaSilva/UPI/Alamy Live News
Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California.
Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California.
Noah Berger/AP
A slide is melted at a school playground in Fresno County.
A slide is melted at a school playground in Fresno County.
Noah Berger/AP
Rubble is seen on September 7 after a wildfire left the small town of Malden, Washington, in ruins. <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2020%2F09%2F08%2Fus%2Fmalden-washington-fire-town-destroyed%2Findex.html" target="_blank">The fire destroyed about 80% of the homes and buildings in Malden,</a> which is about 35 miles south of Spokane.
Rubble is seen on September 7 after a wildfire left the small town of Malden, Washington, in ruins. The fire destroyed about 80% of the homes and buildings in Malden, which is about 35 miles south of Spokane.
Jesse Tinsley/AP
Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, California, on September 7, 2020.
Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, California, on September 7, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter in Jamul, California, battles the Valley Fire on September 6, 2020.
A firefighter in Jamul, California, battles the Valley Fire on September 6, 2020.
Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
A fire encroaches Japatul Road in Jamul on September 6, 2020.
A fire encroaches Japatul Road in Jamul on September 6, 2020.
Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
Little League baseball players warm up for a game near Dehesa, California, as the Valley Fire burns on September 6, 2020.
Little League baseball players warm up for a game near Dehesa, California, as the Valley Fire burns on September 6, 2020.
Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter watches the advancing Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
A firefighter watches the advancing Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A business owner in Shaver Lake walks next to kayaks he rents as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the sky on September 6, 2020.
A business owner in Shaver Lake walks next to kayaks he rents as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the sky on September 6, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Family members comfort each other as the El Dorado Fire moves closer to their home in Yucaipa, California, on September 6, 2020.
Family members comfort each other as the El Dorado Fire moves closer to their home in Yucaipa, California, on September 6, 2020.
Terry Pierson/Orange County Register/Zuma
A firefighter sets a controlled burn with a drip torch while fighting the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
A firefighter sets a controlled burn with a drip torch while fighting the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Dozens of evacuees are airlifted to safety on a California National Guard helicopter on September 5, 2020. The Creek Fire had left them stranded in a popular camping area in the Sierra National Forest.
Dozens of evacuees are airlifted to safety on a California National Guard helicopter on September 5, 2020. The Creek Fire had left them stranded in a popular camping area in the Sierra National Forest.
California National Guard/AP
Firefighters walk in a line in Yucaipa on September 5, 2020.
Firefighters walk in a line in Yucaipa on September 5, 2020.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Haze and smoke blanket the sky near Naches, Washington, as the Evans Canyon Fire burns on September 3, 2020.
Haze and smoke blanket the sky near Naches, Washington, as the Evans Canyon Fire burns on September 3, 2020.
Amanda Ray/Yakima Herald-Republic/AP
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, listens as Santa Cruz State Park Superintendent Chris Spohrer talks about the fire damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park on September 1, 2020.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, listens as Santa Cruz State Park Superintendent Chris Spohrer talks about the fire damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park on September 1, 2020.
LiPo Ching/San Francisco Chronicle/AP
Randy Hunt packs up his belongings, including his daughter Natasha's first Pooh bear, left, in case he and his wife Sheli had to evacuate the home they rent in Middletown, California, on August 26, 2020.
Randy Hunt packs up his belongings, including his daughter Natasha's first Pooh bear, left, in case he and his wife Sheli had to evacuate the home they rent in Middletown, California, on August 26, 2020.
Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times/Getty Images
Firefighter Juan Chavarin pulls down a burning tree trunk in Guerneville, California, on August 25, 2020.
Firefighter Juan Chavarin pulls down a burning tree trunk in Guerneville, California, on August 25, 2020.
Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
A sign reading "Vaca Strong" adorns a charred hillside in Vacaville, California, on August 24, 2020.
A sign reading "Vaca Strong" adorns a charred hillside in Vacaville, California, on August 24, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Austin Giannuzzi cries while embracing relatives at the burned remains of their Vacaville home on August 23, 2020.
Austin Giannuzzi cries while embracing relatives at the burned remains of their Vacaville home on August 23, 2020.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter looks out from a helicopter while battling the LNU Lightning Complex fires in Lake County, California, on August 23, 2020.
A firefighter looks out from a helicopter while battling the LNU Lightning Complex fires in Lake County, California, on August 23, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road in Lake County on August 23, 2020.
Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road in Lake County on August 23, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Karol Markowski of the South Pasadena Fire Department hoses down hot spots while battling the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Boulder Creek, California, on August 22, 2020.
Karol Markowski of the South Pasadena Fire Department hoses down hot spots while battling the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Boulder Creek, California, on August 22, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A burned-out vehicle is left in front of a destroyed residence as smoke fills the sky in Boulder Creek on August 22, 2020.
A burned-out vehicle is left in front of a destroyed residence as smoke fills the sky in Boulder Creek on August 22, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Smoke hangs low in the air at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park as some redwoods burn in Boulder Creek on August 22, 2020.
Smoke hangs low in the air at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park as some redwoods burn in Boulder Creek on August 22, 2020.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
A firefighter watches the LNU Lightning Complex fires spread through the Berryessa Estates neighborhood in Napa County on August 21, 2020.
A firefighter watches the LNU Lightning Complex fires spread through the Berryessa Estates neighborhood in Napa County on August 21, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Veterinary technician Brianna Jeter comforts a llama injured by a fire in Vacaville on August 21, 2020. At right, animal control officer Dae Kim prepares to euthanize the llama.
Veterinary technician Brianna Jeter comforts a llama injured by a fire in Vacaville on August 21, 2020. At right, animal control officer Dae Kim prepares to euthanize the llama.
Noah Berger/AP
Smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over San Francisco on August 21, 2020.
Smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over San Francisco on August 21, 2020.
Liu Guanguan/China News Service via Getty Images
A firefighter monitors the advance of a fire in Boulder Creek on August 21, 2020.
A firefighter monitors the advance of a fire in Boulder Creek on August 21, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Members of the US Forest Service discuss their next moves to battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Dotsero, Colorado, on August 21, 2020.
Members of the US Forest Service discuss their next moves to battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Dotsero, Colorado, on August 21, 2020.
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily via AP
People pack brown-bag lunches at an evacuation center in Santa Cruz, California, on August 21, 2020.
People pack brown-bag lunches at an evacuation center in Santa Cruz, California, on August 21, 2020.
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
A smoke plume from the LNU Lightning Complex fires billows over Healdsburg, California, on August 20, 2020.
A smoke plume from the LNU Lightning Complex fires billows over Healdsburg, California, on August 20, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter battles flames in Santa Cruz County, California, on August 20, 2020.
A firefighter battles flames in Santa Cruz County, California, on August 20, 2020.
Philip Pacheco/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Only scorched homes and vehicles remain in the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa in Napa County, California, on August 20, 2020.
Only scorched homes and vehicles remain in the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa in Napa County, California, on August 20, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Peter Koleckar reacts after seeing multiple homes burned in his neighborhood in Bonny Doon, California, on August 20, 2020.
Peter Koleckar reacts after seeing multiple homes burned in his neighborhood in Bonny Doon, California, on August 20, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A forest burns in Bonny Doon on August 20, 2020.
A forest burns in Bonny Doon on August 20, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A man looks at a tree blocking his way after a fire ravaged Vacaville, California, on August 20, 2020.
A man looks at a tree blocking his way after a fire ravaged Vacaville, California, on August 20, 2020.
Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
A melted plastic fence lies on the charred ground after fire swept through Vacaville on August 20, 2020.
A melted plastic fence lies on the charred ground after fire swept through Vacaville on August 20, 2020.
Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
Sarah Hawkins searches through rubble after her Vacaville home was destroyed on August 20, 2020.
Sarah Hawkins searches through rubble after her Vacaville home was destroyed on August 20, 2020.
Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas, California, on August 19, 2020.
Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas, California, on August 19, 2020.
Nic Coury/AP
Gina Santos cries in her car after evacuating Vacaville on August 19, 2020.
Gina Santos cries in her car after evacuating Vacaville on August 19, 2020.
Gabrielle Lurie/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
People herd cows down Pleasants Valley Road in Vacaville on August 19, 2020.
People herd cows down Pleasants Valley Road in Vacaville on August 19, 2020.
Gabrielle Lurie/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Flames consume a home in Napa County, California, on August 19, 2020.
Flames consume a home in Napa County, California, on August 19, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Embers burn along a hillside above Lake Berryessa as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Napa County on August 18, 2020. This image was taken with a long exposure.
Embers burn along a hillside above Lake Berryessa as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Napa County on August 18, 2020. This image was taken with a long exposure.
Noah Berger/AP
A resident runs into a home to save a dog while flames from the Hennessy Fire close in near Lake Berryessa on August 18, 2020.
A resident runs into a home to save a dog while flames from the Hennessy Fire close in near Lake Berryessa on August 18, 2020.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in Napa County on August 18, 2020.
A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in Napa County on August 18, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
An air tanker drops retardant on fires in the Spanish Flat community of Napa County on August 18, 2020.
An air tanker drops retardant on fires in the Spanish Flat community of Napa County on August 18, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the Hennessy Fire consume a cabin at the Nichelini Family Winery in Napa County on August 18, 2020.
Flames from the Hennessy Fire consume a cabin at the Nichelini Family Winery in Napa County on August 18, 2020.
Noah Berger/AP
Tony Leonardini works on a spot fire as thunderstorm winds fan the Hennessy Fire in Napa County on August 17, 2020.
Tony Leonardini works on a spot fire as thunderstorm winds fan the Hennessy Fire in Napa County on August 17, 2020.
Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP
Smoke from the Grizzly Creek Fire is thick in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 16, 2020.
Smoke from the Grizzly Creek Fire is thick in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 16, 2020.
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily via AP
Kathy Mathison looks at the still-smoldering wildfire on August 16, 2020, that, just a day before, came within several feet of her home in Bend, Oregon.
Kathy Mathison looks at the still-smoldering wildfire on August 16, 2020, that, just a day before, came within several feet of her home in Bend, Oregon.
Dean Guernsey/The Bulletin via AP
Firefighters look at smoke and flames rising from the Ranch2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, east of Los Angeles, on August 14, 2020.
Firefighters look at smoke and flames rising from the Ranch2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, east of Los Angeles, on August 14, 2020.
Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images
A helicopter makes a water drop over the Ranch2 Fire in Azusa, California, on August 13, 2020.
A helicopter makes a water drop over the Ranch2 Fire in Azusa, California, on August 13, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A car is charred by the Lake Fire near Lake Hughes, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, on August 13, 2020.
A car is charred by the Lake Fire near Lake Hughes, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, on August 13, 2020.
Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images
A couple watches the Ranch2 Fire from a distance on August 13, 2020.
A couple watches the Ranch2 Fire from a distance on August 13, 2020.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A firefighter crew works in Lake Hughes on August 13, 2020.
A firefighter crew works in Lake Hughes on August 13, 2020.
Christian Monterrosa/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Lake Fire burns a home in Angeles National Forest on August 13, 2020.
The Lake Fire burns a home in Angeles National Forest on August 13, 2020.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Flames and smoke from the Lake Fire rise on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
Flames and smoke from the Lake Fire rise on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
A firefighter works against the Lake Fire on August 12, 2020.
A firefighter works against the Lake Fire on August 12, 2020.
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Firefighters make an escape plan as the Lake Fire burns a hillside on August 12, 2020.
Firefighters make an escape plan as the Lake Fire burns a hillside on August 12, 2020.
Christian Monterrosa/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A tanker makes a drop on the Lake Fire on August 12, 2020.
A tanker makes a drop on the Lake Fire on August 12, 2020.
David Crane/The Orange County Register/AP
A plume of smoke rises from the Lake Fire on August 12, 2020.
A plume of smoke rises from the Lake Fire on August 12, 2020.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Fire crews battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 11, 2020.
Fire crews battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 11, 2020.
Chelsea Self/Glenwood Springs Post Independent via AP
In photos: 2020 wildfires on the West Coast

“We sometimes lose members to cancer and plant trees in their memory,” Malak said. Presently, the group doesn’t know whether that memory grove was spared.

“There are definitely a lot of memories made there, but the magic of Okizu is the people,” Malak said.

The threat of Covid-19 among a population of campers with compromised immune systems has left the camp empty during what would otherwise be a busy summer season. Okizu got creative, making what they call ‘Happy Camper Kits’ for each family, including ingredients for s’mores, T-shirts, and arts & crafts materials. They delivered the kits to each family and have been hosting virtual camps online since spring.

“Our hearts have been in our throats all day, and we’ve been following every news report, hoping against hope for a miracle,” the organization said in a news release. “There is nothing we can possibly say except that Okizu is a family, and as in any family, it is the people who matter most. We each carry Okizu within us, and that is something no fire can destroy.”