Stay informed. See MDA updates on COVID-19

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.

Watch the Video

"I was nervous about sending her to MDA Summer Camp because she had never been away from home on her own before, and we were concerned about her getting the needed care that we provide at home. Once she attended camp, it alleviated all our fears. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. She was a little homesick the first time, but she became more independent and looks forward to camp every year.

"I encourage parents to send their children to camp the first chance they get because we don't want our children to miss out on an experience of a lifetime."

— Melissa Dulaney, mom of an MDA Summer Camp alum

99%

of parents value MDA Summer Camp

94%

of parents agree that MDA Summer Camp has increased their children's confidence

91%

of parents believe MDA Summer Camp has helped their children become more independent

2020 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.

See All Camps or

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

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!