MDA Kicks off 56th Summer Camp Season

TUCSON, Ariz., June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced that some 4,000 youngsters with muscular dystrophy and related diseases will be attending week-long MDA summer camp sessions between now and Sept. 3.  

Funded entirely by generous public contributions made to MDA year-round, particularly to the MDA Labor Day Telethon, MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide variety of activities specifically designed for young people who have mobility challenges.  It costs MDA an average of $800 per camper to send a youngster with neuromuscular disease to camp, and there is no charge to campers' families.

"At MDA summer camp, barriers are nonexistent," said MDA National Youth Chairman Luke Christie.  "Camp represents freedom and is often the best week of the year for kids.  There, we can simply be ourselves and not worry about being noticeably different.    Games, swimming, dancing, adaptive sports, fishing, canoeing, and arts and crafts are just a few of the many activities kids enjoy each year at MDA summer camp."

"It takes some 5,000 enthusiastic volunteer camp counselors each year, working with the caring professional staff at more than 75 MDA summer camp sessions, to create  barrier–free environments where youngsters with progressive muscle diseases have fun while taking important steps toward independence," noted MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg.  

"Campers make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime," added Weinberg, "I encourage those interested in helping, ages 16 and up, to call 800-572-1717 or local MDA offices nationwide to learn more about volunteering as MDA summer camp counselors.  To business leaders looking for a rewarding cause-marketing partner, I encourage you to ask about attending a VIP day or about sponsoring a camper at any MDA summer camp."

With MDA camp sessions ranging in size from 15 to 124 campers (national average = 54 campers per session), the Association is still recruiting volunteer camp counselors for some late June, July, Aug. and Sept. camps in 27 states (Ala., Alaska, Calif., Colo., Fla., Ga., Idaho, Ill., Iowa, Maine, Md., Mich., Mo., Mont., Nev., N.C., N.Y., Ohio, Okla., Ore., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Va., Wash., and W.Va.; upcoming camp contacts).

Volunteer counselors are companions to campers with neuromuscular diseases, many of whom have limited mobility. Counselors help with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing; and assist with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, dances, skits, swimming and adaptive sports.

Mark, a summer camp volunteer, described his first year as a summer camp volunteer:  "When these kids get to camp, it is like Christmas, birthdays and Disney World all wrapped into one!  On the first day of camp, the sense of excitement and the anticipation in the air was as thick as fog.  My shy camper lit up when he arrived at camp and saw friends from previous years.  It really gave me goose bumps to be around these kids.  From that first day, I told myself I would do whatever it took to ensure he had a good time and enjoyed his week at camp."

Likewise, interested medical and health care specialists including physicians; nurses; and physical, recreational and respiratory therapists are encouraged to contact the Association regarding volunteering at future MDA summer camp sessions.

"All campers say it's the best week of the year," said Joaquin Wong, M.D., a long-time MDA camp medical director.  Dr. Wong, affectionately referred to as "Bubba" by campers, says that "some campers come to clinic one or two months after camp for a scheduled check up.  All of the parents say their child is already asking 'when is camp next year?'  Plus, camp gives parents a respite from care giving."

Watch MDA camp video.

About MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive healthcare and support services, advocacy and education.  See the award-winning MDA "Make A Muscle, Make A Difference" PSA.

In addition to funding more than 330 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics; orchestrates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; facilitates extraordinary local summer camp opportunities for thousands youngsters fighting progressive muscle diseases.  Known globally for the MDA Labor Day Telethon, the Association is the first nonprofit to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity."

SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association