When you hear the sound of more than 600 motorcycles rumbling through Niles this weekend, it is important to remember that the noise is contributing to another quieter and, perhaps, more pleasant noise.

The sound of children laughing.

Over the past 14 years, the Niles Burn Run has raised more than $100,000 to help young burn survivors attend a special camp designed just for them.

The Great Lakes Burn Camp is a place where these brave young boys and girls ages 7 through 17 can have fun, laugh, share their stories and bond with other kids in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

This confidence boosting experience costs about $600 a person and takes place twice a year in Jackson, Michigan, about a two hours drive to the northeast.

Many of the riders in Niles’ rumbling caravan also help escort the parade that leads the kids to the burn camp. The kids ride on fire trucks while the motorcyclists follow behind, watching the kids have a blast.

It is an incredible experience by all accounts.

If you are looking for a cause to support — and there is no shortage of great ones out there this summer — this is one of the best.

Not to mention you get to take police-escorted 50-mile motorcycle trip through beautiful southwest Michigan.

The only thing that can stop it from being a completely enjoyable experience is the weather, but there’s nothing anyone can do about that.

The ride itself is scheduled to start at noon on Sunday, July 12, but Niles Burn Run will be offering events and activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the entire weekend in Niles. There will be live music, car and bike shows, food and much more, so you don’t need a motorcycle to enjoy the festivities.

Last year’s event raised $24,000, which was enough to send 40 kids to camp.

Help the Burn Run top that record by participating in the ride or donating to the cause this weekend.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.