MDA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR 2002 SUMMER CAMP

Tucson, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2001 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association is accepting applications from people willing to volunteer to serve as counselors at MDA summer camps across the nation during summer 2002.

Counselors serve as companions to campers affected by neuromuscular diseases who range in age from 6 to 21 years of age. Counselors assist campers with activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing and dressing, and help them enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing and horseback riding.

Those selected as counselors must be at least 16 and able to lift a child.

"MDA summer camp is a special week of the year when children with muscular dystrophy can enjoy themselves in a peer group. They can participate in a full range of outdoor activities adapted to their abilities," says MDA President Robert Ross. "Besides being great fun, camp helps youngsters grow and develop emotionally and socially — it’s truly the highlight of the year, for both campers and volunteers."

During summer 2002 more than 4,000 youngsters are expected to attend MDA summer camp at more than 70 sites from New England to Hawaii. Camp is free of charge to families served by MDA.

MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases affecting more than a million Americans.

For more information, or to volunteer, call your local MDA office or (800) 572-1717.