As my junior year in high school was coming to a close last spring, I came across a flier for MDA summer camp at my schools career center. This camp was going to be held in June at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, Md. It was created exclusively for people ages 6 to 21 with any of the 40-plus neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA.

Unlike other camps I was familiar with, this one paired one counselor with each camper.

My initial reaction was that I wasnt the kind of person MDA needed. I worried that, with my limited knowledge of this area, I wouldnt be a very big asset. But I recognized that spending my time helping someone with muscular dystrophy have an enjoyable camp experience would be a great challenge and learning experience.

Steven Arguijo (left) and David Collins became good friends at MDA summer camp in 2002.

I contacted the local MDA office and inquired whether there were any openings for one of the camp sessions. With the camp scheduled to take place just a few weeks later, I was fortunate to find a vacancy that resulted from a last-minute cancellation. I completed the application forms and supplied contact information for my references. About one week later, I was notified of my acceptance.

Getting Ready and Getting Acquainted

During the weeks prior to camp, I conducted considerable research about the effects of muscular dystrophy. I wanted to go into camp as knowledgeable as a "first-timer" can be.

The camp director provided me with the name and phone number of my camper, Steven Arguijo, then 19, who lives in Benedict, Md. I telephoned him and introduced myself to make him less anxious about me when he arrived. I learned that hed been attending MDA summer camp for over 10 years and it had become like a second home for him. It was clear that he looks forward to attending every year until he "graduates" from the camp at age 21.

On arrival day all counselors reported several hours before the campers arrived. We were introduced to one another and were given information on procedures to follow in caring for our campers during the week.

In the early afternoon the campers arrived. They had a good time getting acquainted with the counselors, nurses and the rest of the staff.

Id learned from the volunteer orientation that the welcoming of the campers is probably the hardest part of the camp for counselors, emotionally, other than the day of departure. Returning counselors often notice that a camper who wasnt using a wheelchair last year is in one now. Counselors who volunteer year after year recognize the gradual changes caused by progressive neuromuscular diseases.

I couldnt help feeling anxious about meeting my assigned camper, as well as the other campers. Ive had little if any contact with kids with muscular dystrophy, though Id had experience with kids with other disabilities. Since muscular dystrophy was something with which I was unfamiliar, I made sure to keep an open mind to learn more about it.

Greeting Steven turned out to be a piece of cake. It seemed like we became friends from the beginning. Coincidentally, both of us were wearing University of Maryland Terrapins T-shirts. That immediately gave us a shared interest to talk about.

Helping Each Other

The camp experience was designed to be one-on-one at all times so that the campers could receive constant help with their day-to-day needs, such as eating, moving in and out of their wheelchairs, using restroom facilities, showering and changing clothes. The duties of each volunteer counselor varied according to the nature and severity of the campers condition.

However, in general, each counselor bore at least twice the daily responsibilities an average person would normally have. It was a full-time, 24-hour-per-day responsibility.

For example, Steven woke me a few times each night so I could place him into a more comfortable sleeping position. He has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and could only move his fingers and facial muscles, although that movement was limited, too. Steven was powerless to reposition himself when he became uncomfortable during the night, so I did my best to make him as comfortable as possible.

After the first few days the daily routine became much easier. Like most of the other campers, Steven was accustomed to asking for help. By systematically describing exactly what he needed done, he made it very easy for me to get adjusted, as did the other counselors in my cabin with more experience. The other counselors were also happy to assist me in situations that called for more than just myself.

But MDA summer camp isnt primarily about this one-on-one interaction between campers and their counselors. It brings together kids who are facing similar challenges in their lives. The camp allows a special bond to develop among the campers, and they look forward to it every year. It didnt take me long to recognize the genuine pleasure these kids derive from being there. I now clearly understand why this camp is so special.

The most emotionally charged experience at the camp occurred after the talent show. For three 21-year-old campers, this was the last night they would be at camp.

The three campers and their counselors went up on the stage. The counselors spoke openly about their experiences, and one camper said a few words for himself. Tears were shed openly, as these kids had attended camp for several years and people shared innumerable memories with them.

Unique and Unforgettable

I didnt come to MDA summer camp expecting anything for myself. I just tried to be as good a friend as possible to Steven. With so much time spent together, the two of us developed a unique bond.

I returned home from the camp feeling that the experience had given me a new insight into life, and that Id made many new friends, many of them very special.

Id gone to camp hoping I could perform an unselfish deed for a camper and make his camp experience as fun and special as possible. Although I believe I achieved that goal, I came back receiving far more benefit from the camp experience than Id expected.

It was a privilege to share this unique experience with my camper and others there. Its something that Ill never forget. Its unfortunate that more people dont have the opportunity to experience something so wonderful in their lives as to really get to know an MDA camper.

Coming home, I soon realized that I missed the camp environment. It was a very friendly, caring atmosphere with a special sentimentality that radiated through it. I also missed Steven and the many other people who contributed to this special experience.

I hope to be back at MDA summer camp this year. In the future, I plan to be alert for other opportunities to reach out to people with disabilities in the community in some special way. Im grateful to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for allowing me to have such a wonderful experience.

David Collins is a high school senior in Fairfax, Va.

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