MDA SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
FOR 2005 SUMMER CAMP
TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 25, 2004 – Volunteers looking for an exceptionally rewarding summer experience should consider Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camps. Volunteer counselors are needed to help young people with neuromuscular diseases enjoy the sun and fun at MDA summer camps throughout the country.
Volunteer counselors must be at least 16 years old and able to lift a young person between the ages of 6 and 21. Each counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a neuromuscular disease. Counselors help their campers with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing, and in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding.
“MDA summer camp is very special to the young people we serve,” said MDA President and CEO Robert Ross. “It’s a time for them to participate in activities that may be closed to them during the rest of the year, but which have been especially adapted to their abilities at camp. Children affected by neuromuscular diseases make lifelong friends at camp, while gaining self-esteem and confidence.”
Volunteer counselors also say the experience is very special to them. “They often tell us that they get more than they give,” Ross said.
At no charge to families, MDA’s summer camp program serves more than 4,300 campers nationwide in some 90 weeklong sessions. Last year, more than 4,500 volunteers helped make this all possible. It costs the Association $600 to send one child to camp.
MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases affecting more than a million Americans.
To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA’s summer camp program, contact your local MDA office or call MDA national headquarters at (800) 572-1717. For more information about summer camp volunteers, see the MDA summer camp pages.
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.
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