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Applications Now Open for MDA’s 2026 Summer Camp Season

As Muscular Dystrophy Association looks ahead to its next 75 years, the 71st MDA Summer Camp session continues a legacy of empowering the next generation of youth living with neuromuscular conditions.

New York, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today that registration is open for both campers and volunteers for its 2026 MDA Summer Camp program. As MDA continues building momentum into the next 75 years, MDA Summer Camp remains a cornerstone of empowerment, belonging, and joyful experiences for young people living with neuromuscular diseases. Families may submit applications for their campers here.

Volunteers play a vital role in MDA Summer Camp, and MDA is actively recruiting camp counselors and medical team members. Volunteering offers a meaningful opportunity to support campers while forming lasting and impactful connections. Applications to volunteer can be submitted here.

MDA Summer Camp serves children and young adults ages 8 to 17 living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases. For 71 years, MDA Summer Camp has delivered life-changing experiences, offering enriching recreational activities that promote independence, self-advocacy, self-confidence, and lifelong friendships.

In 2026, MDA will host 23 weeklong sessions and one virtual session, running from June 7 through August 21. Families may choose the in-person or virtual session that best fits their needs.

Campers and volunteers often call MDA Summer Camp the “best week of the year.” Last year, nearly 850 campers and over 800 volunteers including counselors, clinicians, nurses, and other medical professionals participated in camp sessions across the country.

“We are thrilled to kick-off another year of MDA Summer Camp. The impact of this program is felt all year long, and we are excited to again create experiences across the country for campers and volunteers to come together to form lifelong memories and build community,” said Alicia Dobosz, Executive Vice President, Community Engagement at MDA. “As we look toward the next 75 years of MDA’s mission, we reflect on how this program has evolved—and how campers continue to return year after year for the friendships, independence, and joy that define their experience. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers and supporters who make this transformative program possible.”

In-person campers will experience a wide range of adventures—from swimming and fishing to zip-lining, archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts, campfires, and more. Virtual campers will participate in innovative, interactive programming that brings the magic of camp right to their homes. No matter the format, each camper becomes part of a vibrant community centered on growth, connection, and fun.

“MDA Summer Camp has been such an important part of my life for so many years. Now that I’ve started high school, I think back to how much confidence I gained during middle school—serving as class president and advocating with my representatives through MDA on the Hill for better access for people with disabilities. Camp is where I first learned to trust my voice, push myself, and build friendships that have strengthened me year after year. Being part of this community reminds me that I’m never alone, and it continues to inspire me to speak up, lead, and believe in what’s possible,” said Faith from Texas, an MDA Alumni National Ambassador.

“MDA Summer Camp has been such a gift for our family. It gives kids like Faith the chance to advocate for themselves, ask for help from people beyond their primary caregivers, and grow in their independence. She’s built a community with other kids who understand her challenges, and she simply gets to be a kid. The confidence and joy she brings home each year is unmistakable. The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s summer camp and work to fund research, care, and advocacy have all played a huge role in helping her become the strong, self-assured young person she is today,” said Leeann Woodall Ivy, MDA Parent.

MDA Summer Camp is made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, partners, and volunteers, including CITGO, IAFF, Acosta, NALC, Albertsons, Mansfield Cares, Burn Boot Camp, Genentech, Catalyst, General Motors, Scholar Rock.

Media contact press@mdausa.org.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.