Leather and chrome?

Indeed, these aren't traditional elements of a kids' camp in a bucolic setting. But when it's Harley Day at dozens of MDA summer camp sessions across the country, the only things that are traditional are fun and great memories.

Harley Day usually begins with a thunderous rumble as the Harley-Davidson motorcycles parade into the campgrounds. The fancy cycles are driven by members of neighboring Harley Owners Groups (that's a H.O.G. in Harley talk) who spend a day sharing their sparkling machines and the hobby they love with youngsters affected by neuromuscular diseases.

Harley Day can include a variety of treats for campers, such as sidecar rides, temporary tattoos, or a chance to vote for the "coolest" and "shiniest" bikes. Sometimes campers get to don leather jackets, bandanas and other biker-themed duds, and there's always plenty of picture taking.

"The day for the kids is really exciting. They can't wait for Hareley Day." - Roy Thiede

It's a memorable day that many campers eagerly anticipate and rank as a highlight, organizers said. And it's a day that H.O.G. members who take part thoroughly enjoy.

For Roy Thiede of Milwaukee, it's hard to top the emotional impact of visiting an MDA camp. "It's a beautiful thing," Thiede said. "The day for the kids is really exciting. They can't wait for Harley Day."

Thiede's first visit to camp was seven years ago, when MDA staff called to see if volunteers from Hal's Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee would bring a few bikes to camp. "There was six of us that went down there that first year," Thiede said. After meeting the campers, giving them rides and seeing their reactions, Thiede said he knew they were onto something special.

"We were at an intersection and we all looked at each other and had tears in our eyes," he said. "We said, we're going to do this again."

The event has since caught on with H.O.G. chapters across the country. Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, is a leading national MDA sponsor.

In Milwaukee, as many as 300 riders have taken part in Harley Day, bringing a dozen sidecars and plenty of strong arms to lift and move campers who need assistance. Riders travel over an hour from Hal's dealership to the camp. Law enforcement officials from several towns and counties block off intersections the whole way.

Rumbling engines and the sirens of motorcycle-mounted police officers let campers know that flag-bearing riders are on their way. They're greeted by cheering and waving campers and counselors.

Thiede said his favorite part of the day is the kids' reactions to the bikes and the riders, who can range from homemakers to business owners to "dirtball bikers." Radiant smiles on the kids' faces make volunteering for Harley Day a delight for Carol Schaeffer of Orwigsburg, Pa., and a highlight for the Deer Lake, Pa., H.O.G. and members of the Schuykill County Motorcycle Club.

"It does more for me in the long run than it probably does for the kids." - Nancy Hutson

"Everybody enjoys going because the children are so enthusiastic. We go on carnival day, and they're so happy to have a ride," said Schaeffer, who together with her husband, Dennis, owns Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson/Buell dealership. Sometimes the rumbles and the size of the bikes intimidate campers, but usually not for long, Schaeffer said.

"Some are a little apprehensive, but once they've had their ride, they want to go and go and go. We stay as long as they want us to stay, and they thoroughly enjoy the whole thing," she said.

Nancy Hutson, owner of Cycle Connection Harley-Davidson in Joplin, Mo., said she reaps many rewards from getting involved with summer camp.

"I think my involvement with MDA is sort of selfish. I like being able to see the smiles and happiness," she said. "It does more for me in the long run than it probably does for the kids."

Hutson, her husband, Scott, and three store staffers volunteer at Camp Wonderland for the whole week. They drive their bikes to camp, and leave them conspicuously parked where the youngsters can enjoy looking at them. Many get their pictures taken sitting on the bikes.

Photos aren't the only long-term souvenirs of the day. Hutson has established friendships with campers and keeps in touch year-round.

"The friendships last forever," she said.

Harley Day at MDA summer camp is just one of several efforts that Harley-Davidson undertakes on behalf of MDA. Other events include dozens of rides each year, which raise millions for MDA, plus auctions, rallies and dealer events.

Helping MDA is a natural extension of the brotherhood that bonds Harley owners from all walks of life, Harley owners say.

"It's a dream that they've been able to make come true for themselves by riding a Harley and enjoying it. But when it comes to others and doing things for others, they stick together at that as well," Hutson said.

And the rewards are immeasurable, she said.

"Once you see the happiness that you bring to the kids by something that we do every day, the smile is worth any amount of thanks or pats on the back or anything else."