Click to see full MDA Summer Camp Update, January 2021
The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s top priority is the health and safety of our campers, volunteers, and staff. After much consideration of the current and forecasted situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and discussion with trusted medical professionals, MDA has made the difficult decision not to hold in-person summer camp programs in 2021.While we are confident that this is the right decision for the safety of our community, we join campers, volunteers, and camper families in feeling disappointed. We understand the MDA camp community looks forward to these life-changing weeks at camp every year, and this decision was not made lightly. While there is no way to replace being together at in-person camp, we remain committed to bringing fun to campers while helping them stay connected through virtual programming.
Give Your Child
“the Best Week of the Year”
at MDA Summer Camp
It’s the experience of a lifetime.
MDA Summer Camp creates a world of possibilities for children living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases.
Camp gives kids a chance to discover new interests while gaining self-confidence, making lifelong friendships and experiencing the independence of being away from home. Thanks to generous donors and partners, MDA provides a safe, inclusive summer camp experience at no cost to families.
Camp offers a variety of activities and programs such as arts and crafts, sports and games, traditional camp activities and more. Every activity is adapted to the abilities of youngsters with neuromuscular disease. Plus, campers are paired with camp counselors to help with activities of daily living and personal care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can my child attend camp?
This unique residential camping experience is available to children with neuromuscular disease who are registered with MDA and are between 8 and 17 years of age. Children must be at least 8 years old on the first day of camp and 17 years old through the last day of the camp session.
When making your decision about applying for camp, please consider carefully your children's readiness to be away from home, their desire to go to camp, and their ability to participate in activities and enjoy the camp experience.
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Who will take care of my child's medical needs during camp?
MDA camps are staffed by medical teams that can include physicians, nurses and respiratory or physical therapists. The camp medical team will review your child's medical needs prior to camp and meet with you to discuss your child's needs on the first day of camp. During the camp week, the medical team dispenses medications, takes care of injured or ill campers, provides first aid and monitors the overall health of all camp participants.
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How do I know my child will be safe at camp?
Safety is our first priority. Camp staff and volunteers receive comprehensive training about the special needs of children with neuromuscular diseases. All activities are closely monitored, overseen by qualified personnel and designed to accommodate campers' individual needs and abilities.
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How are volunteer counselors selected and what duties do they perform?
At MDA camps, volunteer counselors work with campers around the clock. Counselors push wheelchairs, lift and transfer youngsters and, above all, become the camper's friend for a week.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and of sufficient strength and size to lift and care for campers and assist with campers' personal care. For most camps, campers' parents are not eligible to be volunteers at the same camp where their children are in attendance. Siblings and other family members are welcome to apply to serve as volunteers, but we typically do not pair a camper with a family member. MDA Summer Camp is an opportunity for children to learn that others are there to help meet their needs.
Parents can be assured that camp volunteers are thoroughly screened in a process that includes: a formal application, criminal background check, health and reference checks, and a personal interview. MDA follows all state mandates for volunteers who work with children.
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Is transportation provided to camp?
Transportation to camp is the responsibility of the campers' families. If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to your local MDA staff contact who will work to provide options. We don't want transportation to be the barrier to prevent a child from attending "the best week of the year."
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at ResourceCenter@mdausa.org or contact your local MDA staff. Thank you again for your interest in MDA Summer Camp!