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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2018 MDA Summer Camps
Use the search below to find a camp near you. Then read the instructions in the next section for full details on how to complete your application.
How to Apply
MDA Summer Camp opportunities are in high demand, so we urge families to register early, as space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who are eligible.
Note: If your child has not attended MDA Summer Camp before, please be sure they are registered with MDA by contacting the MDA Resource Center at 800-572-1717 or email ResourceCenter@mdausa.org BEFORE starting your application. If needed, MDA staff will help you complete the MDA registration process and you can then begin the process below.
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1. Choose your MDA Summer Camp session in the search above, and click a camp to enter the online application portal.
Your child is eligible to apply for ONE camp session only. Applying for more than one camp may impact application processing.
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2. Complete the online application.
You must write an answer for each question. If a question does not apply to your child, please type “NA” for the answer.
If you need to save your application to finish at a later time, go to the end of the application and mark it as “incomplete.” Do not close your browser or tab as the information will not be saved on its own.
Some camp facilities require families to complete their application in addition to the MDA application. If this applies to your camp, you will be directed to the camp facility’s website directly to complete the application process.
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3. Submit the documents as outlined in your “next steps” confirmation email.
The confirmation email you receive after completing the online application may direct you to provide documents that can be uploaded to your UltraCamp account directly. Your child’s camp application is not complete without this documentation and must be submitted by the deadline. Extensions will not be given for any reason.
These documents may include:
• A pre-camp physical form
• A copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance card
• A copy of your child’s immunization record
• A recent photo of your child - After the online application and documents are submitted, we’ll be in touch!
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 16 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!
