 What is the value of MDA Summer Camp?
For young people: Camp offers a fun and
safe outdoor experience and the opportunity
to develop important life skills such as
confidence, independence and social ability.
The camp experience also promotes a great
sense of self-esteem and achievement. Campers
often leave with a more positive outlook
on life and take with them lasting friendships
and memories.
For parents/guardians: Camp is a brief respite for caregivers. MDA staff and trained volunteers assume all camper care, including physical and emotional support, allowing caregivers a little time to attend to their own needs.
Additional information:
"MDA Summer Camp: The Week That Lasts a Lifetime" Quest Vol. 10 No 2, March/April 2003
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What
are the requirements to attend MDA Summer
Camp?
Youngsters ages 6-17 who are affected by any of the 40-plus neuromuscular diseases in MDA's program and who are registered with MDA are eligible to apply. (There is no fee to register with MDA.) Acceptance to camp is contingent upon evaluation of the application by MDA personnel and MDA's medical advisers, including the camp health staff. Because space is limited, applications are considered on a "first come, first served" basis. There is no cost to families to send their children to camp. To apply, pick up the application forms at your local MDA office (Find your local office)
Additional information:
"MDA Summer Camp Countdown: What to Know as You Get Ready for Camp" Quest Vol. 8 No. 2
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What kind of medical care is provided at camp?
MDA camps are staffed by medical teams that
generally include a physician, nurses and
a respiratory or physical therapist. (Medical
team composition depends on camp size, campers'
needs and medical volunteers.) The team
dispenses medications, takes care of injured
or ill campers, and provides general first
aid.
Additional information:
"MDA Summer Camp Countdown: What to Know as You Get Ready for Camp" Quest Vol. 8 No. 2, April 2001
"Fun and Safety: Medical Staff Ensure the Two Go Hand in Hand at MDA Summer Camp" Quest Vol. 5 No. 2, April 1998
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What kinds of activities do they do at camp? How will they keep my child safe?
Although each camp is unique, some common
activities include: swimming, hockey, baseball,
soccer, football, boating, horseback riding,
fishing, music, cooking, arts and crafts,
movies, dancing, talent shows, Harley-Davidson
motorcycle sidecar or three-wheeled cycle
rides, a visit from fire fighters and time
for socializing and laughing.
These activities happen in an environment that promotes:
- Exploration of self and nature;
- Informal interaction with peers;
- Interesting, exciting and safe experiences with limits and supervision;
- Structured reflection on camp experiences.
Safety is the number-one priority
of camp staff and volunteers, who all receive
training in the special needs of children
with neuromuscular diseases. All activities
are strictly monitored, overseen by qualified
personnel, and designed to accommodate campers'
unique needs and abilities.
Additional information:
"MDA Summer Camp: The Week That Lasts a Lifetime" Quest Vol. 10 No. 2, March/April 2003
"Camp Wouldn't Be the Same Without Them" Quest Vol. 9 No. 5, Oct. 2002 (sidebar to "Into the Wind")
"High on a Hog: Riders Get Revved Up for Harley Day at MDA Summer Camp" Quest Vol. 7 No. 2, April 2000
"It's Camp Time" Quest Vol. 6 No. 3, June 1999
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What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? How are volunteer counselors screened for camp? What duties do they perform?
Most sessions offer a one-to-one
ratio between campers and volunteer counselors.
The counselors' goal is to provide campers
with a safe and fun experience while helping
them develop the skills necessary to become
caring, self-confident and successful people.
Volunteers must be at least
16 years old and strong enough/big enough
to assist with campers' physical needs.
All volunteers come from within the state
where the camp is located and many return
to camp year after year. Although a child's
parent may not be a volunteer counselor,
siblings are welcome to apply.
Volunteer counselors are thoroughly
screened, including criminal background
checks, health and reference checks and
a personal interview. MDA follows all state
mandates for volunteers who work with children.
Volunteers receive training in the special
needs of children with neuromuscular diseases.
Counselors' duties include:
attending to physical needs (dressing, bathing,
feeding, transferring, toileting, turning,
etc.); reporting health problems to the
medical staff; promoting cooperation and
respect; encouraging participation; ensuring
safe practices; participating in activities;
and sharing an upbeat attitude.
Additional information:
"Getting to Know an MDA Camper: Camp From the Perspective of a Volunteer" Quest Vol. 10 No. 2, March/April 2003
"The Making of a Camp Counselor" Quest Vol. 9 No. 2, April 2002
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What if a camper wants to come home midweek?
Campers are expected to attend camp for the full week. However, medical and behavior problems or severe, intractable homesickness can result in a child going home early.
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May I visit my child at camp?
For the emotional well-being of all campers,
parental visits during camp sessions are
not permitted.
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May my child and I visit the camp first to see if we like it?
Each camp session includes a VIP Day, when prospective campers and their parents may visit to see if they would like to apply for the following year's session.
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How can I coax my reluctant child into attending camp?
Children with and without disabilities often
are nervous about going to sleep-away camp
for the first time. They may need a little
parental "push" to take that first
scary step. Visit the camp during VIP Day
the year before, and contact your local
MDA office for information about camp activities
and firsthand testimonials from similar-age
campers, who are the best camp "salesmen"
around! If a child has never slept away
from home, it's helpful to have him/her
experience one night "sleep overs"
with family or friends prior to the start
of camp.
Additional information:
"MDA Summer Camp: The Week That Lasts A Lifetime" Quest Vol. 10 No. 2, March/April 2003
"MDA Summer Camp Countdown: What to Know as You Get Ready for Camp" Quest Vol. 8 No. 2, April 2001
"It's Camp Time" Quest Vol. 6 No. 3, June 1999
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Is transportation provided to MDA Summer Camp?
If transportation is a problem, MDA makes every effort to help eligible campers get to camp, including flying in campers in Alaska and Hawaii. MDA doesn't pay for transportation to non-MDA camps.
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