April 20, 1999

ON A LONG-AGO "EXPERIMENT" WITH HOT DOGS, SUNSHINE AND LAUGHTER THAT INSPIRED A MIRACLE OF TODAY

There was no guarantee of success when, in 1955, a group of children with neuromuscular diseases set off on a journey by bus from New York City to Camp Sussex in New Jersey. They were off to attend the first ever MDA summer camp.

I went with them. Though it was only the first week of my employment with MDA in what was then called the Public Information Department, I was assigned to accompany the 16 youngsters and produce an educational film about the experience.

Most of those involved, including many of the children, the parents, and yours truly, felt some trepidation. In the 1950s, far from being mainstreamed into regular schools and various avenues of public life as is often the case today, children with disabilities tended to stay home, away from the public and their peers. Federal law didn't require their attendance of public school. That kind of social isolation was as devastating to the heart and soul as the more obvious effects of muscular dystrophy and related diseases were to the body.

We thought there was a chance our MDA camp "experiment" would strike a small blow against social isolation. But we wondered: Would the children be able to cope with the emotional strain of being away from home and parents? Would they have fun?

We needn't have worried. The "experiment" was a raving success. The film we made that week, "Where the Green Grass Grows," is well over four decades old, but its message is as fresh and pertinent as ever.

Looking at the film, it's a pleasure to see the liberating joy and exuberance lighting up the campers' faces as they revel in a variety of activities, from roasting hot dogs and fishing to swimming and making a camp newspaper.

Even without the film, those faces remain burned into my memory to this day.

From that point on, MDA's summer camp program blossomed. This year, more than 4,000 kids will experience the joys of camp at some 85 week-long camp sessions across the country. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, California or New York, MDA camp is a place where barriers simply do not exist.

Activities range from outdoor sports such as boating, baseball and horseback riding to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows.

Because all camp activities are tailored to the abilities of these special kids, children often return home with a renewed sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Often, too, they make friendships that last for years, not just with other campers but also with camp volunteers.

The program affords parents a well-deserved break in their caregiving schedule. That's not to mention the joys that ensue when a parent sees a child develop increased confidence in his abilities and his social worth.

Moreover, many benefits are experienced by those who serve as volunteers at MDA camp. Being a camp volunteer is no easy task. The physical and emotional demands, especially on volunteer counselors who provide campers with around-the-clock care and attention, are considerable. But so are the rewards.

The bonds that develop between campers and volunteers are often powerful and deep, so much so that it's been said that the hardest task of all for MDA camp volunteers is the one that comes at the end: saying goodbye to their campers.

As 20-year year old volunteer Nichole Farris eloquently put it: "It's the most work I've done in my life, but it's the best work. The best place I've ever seen. The funnest. The most love."

MDA staff are currently gearing up for this year's MDA summer camp program. There are a number of ways you can help make the program a smashing success in 1999. If you're 16 or older, you can become a camp volunteer. There's always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators.

Or if you can't make it in person this summer, just make a gift to sponsor a week of camp for one child.

Businesses or organizations that choose to sponsor one or more children for a week of camp ($400 per child) will be invited to send representatives to visit the local MDA camp during its special sponsor VIP day. (You can call 1-800-572-1717 for more information about the camp in your area.)

One way or another, be a part of the MDA summer camp experience. Help fill a special child's heart with exuberance, joy, camaraderie and giddy laughter. Find out why the "experiment" we tested in 1955 has become a time-honored part of MDA's program and an unforgettable experience for all concerned.

With every best wish . . .

The Ross Report Archive