The Muscular Dystrophy Association is searching for summer camp volunteers who are looking for a rewarding and memorable experience. Volunteer counselors are needed to assist young people with neuromuscular diseases and help them enjoy a fun-filled MDA summer camp June 9-13 at New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Rincon.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 21. Each volunteer counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a neuromuscular disease and helps them with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Counselors will also assist campers with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding.
“MDA summer camp is a special week of the year when children with muscular dystrophy can enjoy themselves in a peer group and can participate in a full range of outdoor activities adapted to their abilities,” MDA health care services coordinator, Megan Forst said. “Besides being great fun, camp helps youngsters grow and develop emotionally and socially; it’s truly a highlight of the year, for both campers and volunteers.”
At no charge to families, MDA’s summer camp program serves some 4,200 campers nationwide in nearly 80 locations for weeklong sessions. Last year, almost 5,000 volunteers helped make this possible.
To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA’s summer camp program, call your local MDA office at (800) 572-1717. More information about summer camp volunteers can be found at www.mda.org/clinics/camp.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education.
The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.