DENVER, Colo. — On Monday, June 25, the sun was shining on more than 100 people, including almost 50 campers with muscle disease, at MDA’s annual summer camp at Rocky Mountain Village — Easter Seals Colorado in Empire, Colo.

The campers gathered around to hear Sea Gayle Records/Arista Nashville country recording artist Jerrod Niemann, who kicked off the evening with the lead single, “Shinin’ On Me,” from his sophomore album “Free the Music” in stores October 2. Niemann visited the camp, sang songs, mingled and signed CDs for the campers. One young camper even asked for — and was given — Niemann’s belt.

Niemann also sang his platinum-selling single, “Lover, Lover,” and “What Do You Want?” for the campers and their counselors.

“I had a wonderful experience with all the kids … everyone,” said Niemann, who has garnered multiple ACM/CMA/CMT award nominations. “Being with all the campers will be a memory that will last a lifetime. They are truly inspiring young people with a lot of heart and ambition. I left amazed by it all.”

Before Niemann performed for the crowd, everyone had a steak dinner in true cookout fashion. Safeway, an MDA national partner, sponsored the evening and provided the food and plenty of surprises for the campers, including cowboy hats, boas and fleece jackets.

“Jerrod Niemann was outstanding as we expected he would be,” said Safeway Foundation Executive Director Christy Duncan-Anderson. “It was a special night for everyone. We also appreciate the many Safeway employees who volunteered their time to cook a great dinner and make this night possible.”

Niemann is part of MDA’s muscle team, an initiative made up of well-known volunteers who help raise awareness for MDA. Niemann is currently finalizing his sophomore album “Free the Music” (in stores October 2) and touring in support of his current radio single “Shinin’ On Me.” Fans can stay updated on his tour dates by visiting JerrodNiemannOfficial.com. Earlier this month at the 2012 CMA Music Festival in Nashville, he performed at his fan club party with friend and co-writer Lee Brice, through which a portion of the proceeds benefited MDA. Nearly 400 fans came out to listen and offer support, and he and Brice signed autographs for more than 10 hours for those patient fans who came all the way to see them perform.

The camp is one of nearly 80 camps that MDA will sponsor throughout the summer. It was the second of two sessions held at Rocky Mountain Village — Easter Seals Colorado.

ABOUT MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding some 300 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle diseases.

For more information, visit mda.org, and follow MDA on Facebook (facebook.com/MDAnational) and Twitter (@MDAnews).

About Jerrod Niemann

ACM-nominated country music artist Jerrod Niemann (Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville) grew up in Liberal, Kan., and experienced groundbreaking mainstream success with the release of his debut album, “Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury.” The critically acclaimed release features No. 1 smash and platinum-selling hit “Lover, Lover,” top-five ballad “What Do You Want?” and latest top-15 barroom anthem, “One More Drinkin’ Song.” His attention-grabbing lyrics, up-tempo cuts, heartache balladry and wicked wordplay all come together on the album, with short comedic interludes to create a unique, progressive voyage into utterly unique territory in the country music landscape. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship and authenticity in his songwriting, Niemann draws from his own personal experiences in his songwriting and is also known for penning hits for Garth Brooks, Jamey Johnson, Julie Roberts and Blake Shelton. Currently, Niemann is out on the road bringing his innovative, fun-filled show to fans across the nation while promoting his newly released radio single, “Shinin’ On Me,” which is swiftly climbing up the Country Billboard chart. For a full list of tour dates and for more information on Jerrod Niemann, visit JerrodNiemannOfficial.com.