MDA Virtual Summer Camp
Camp isn’t a place, it’s a feeling
It’s a week of fun, but it’s so much more than that. Friendships are built, independence is fostered, life skills are developed, self-esteem is encouraged, and connections are made with nature and the outdoors. MDA Virtual Camp is an online program that brings the magic of camp to campers virtually.
What is virtual camp?
While MDA is excited to build back in-person camp, many members of the MDA community enjoyed virtual camp as well! We launched virtual camp in response to the pandemic, but feedback received from the community showed an appreciation for the accessibility virtual camp offered. Meeting new friends, feeling inspired, enjoying arts & crafts and camp activities, all delivered to your home, is another great option for a camp program. For those interested in taking part, we will meet fellow campers from across the country, try new things, and have fun, all from the comfort of your home. Are you ready to join MDA Virtual Camp?
2022 MDA Virtual Camps
Camper
Volunteer
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Lily had a BLAST today as a virtual camper! She was so excited about another child she met with CMT Type 1A and found a friend who loves the same book series. She said she can’t believe the connections she has made all over the country today!”
My 11 year old daughter has SMA type 2 and has attended camp this week and is absolutely loving it. While she still misses in person camp, she has been excited at what new activities await each day this week and genuinely enjoyed and appreciated the connection with her fellow campers, the counselors and MDA staff.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is MDA Virtual Camp/what can I/my child expect?
The main ‘hub’ of MDA Virtual Camp is an online message board platform, which will be available from about 10am to 3pm. Here, MDA posts activities (including daily arts and crafts projects, projects to go along with the daily camp theme and more!), campers and counselors can ‘chat’ with one another via a text-based message board, and camp participants can post photos of themselves having fun with camp activities! Many activities are planned to be fun for the camper to enjoy with their family! Additionally, we’ll have “cabin chat” video calls during the day too, so the camp community can come together virtually! We also bring the virtual world to life in the ‘real world’ with your very own Adventure Box delivered to your home – complete with fun camp supplies! There’s so much in store that we’re excited about!
If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at camp@mdausa.org.
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When is it?
MDA Virtual Summer Camp will take place in July, with 3 session options divided by time zone. The time zones are set so campers can more easily join video calls during the session that works best for their schedule, but it is not required to live in that time zone to sign-up!
Virtual Camp takes place online, using Microsoft Teams as a ‘hub’ for communicating with other campers, accessing camp activity sheets, etc. The program will be online and available Monday – Thursday approximately 10-4pm in the local time zone (times are subject to change). -
What is the time commitment?
Virtual Camp sessions will run from Monday – Thursday each week. Camp activities will take place between 10am and 3pm daily in that week’s designated time zone. We may also have full group activities, which will likely run for 60-90 minutes in the evening.
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What technology/websites do I need to access to participate?
We plan to once again utilize Microsoft Teams as our primary platform but might also utilize Ring Central, Kahoot, Let’s Roam, Discord and Twitch for some of our activities. If you have a device (phone, tablet or laptop) and an internet connection, you should be good to go!
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What if my child does not have access to a computer or technology needed to participate in MDA Virtual Summer Camp?
If technology is a barrier for your child to participate, please email camp@mdausa.org so that we can assist.
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Who do I contact with questions?
Please email any questions to camp@mdausa.org to be connected to a member of the Recreation & Camp Programs team.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at camp@mdausa.org. Thank you again for your interest in MDA Summer Camp!