Summer camp

MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for youngsters ages 6 to 17 who have a neuromuscular disease. Camp offers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence.

Activities are geared to the abilities of the campers and range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and horseback riding, to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts, and talent shows. Volunteer counselors work one on one with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention the campers need. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.

myMuscleTeam (mda.org/mymuscleteam)

MDA’s myMuscleTeam is a simple, free, powerful tool that helps MDA families maximize their most important resource — their "Muscle Team" of family and friends. Users create private, secure myMuscleTeam Web pages that enable them to post journal entries to keep friends and loved ones updated; and utilize a "care coordination calendar" where they can post requests for assistance and schedule volunteer help.

MDA's Transitions Center (transitions.mda.org)

Focused on empowering young people with neuromuscular disease, MDA's Transitions Center provides comprehensive resources for independent living, personal attendant care, higher education, employment, transportation, recreation and health care. The interactive site features blogs, photo galleries, useful apps and Wiki projects.

MDA online communities

MDA hosts a variety of other online opportunities to meet and share with adults living with neuromuscular disease. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, a slate of regularly scheduled chat sessions enable real-time interaction from the comfort of home. MDA chats are organized by disease, roles (e.g., parents, caregivers) and themes (e.g., "positive thinking").

Volunteer

Volunteers are needed for activities and events that raise awareness about neuromuscular diseases and raise funds for MDA's research and services programs. Many MDA volunteers find that being part of a larger effort to defeat neuromuscular diseases fortifies and renews their spirits.

Every local MDA office has a full calendar of events that depends on volunteers, and there also are opportunities for volunteers to help with administrative tasks — just ask!

MDA volunteer opportunities include:

• Golf tournaments
• MDA Muscle Walk
• Hop-A-Thon (disability awareness/fundraising program for young children)
• MDA Lock-Up (local business and community leaders are “arrested” and must raise their “bail”)
• Youth events (school clubs and organizations combine fun with fundraising)
• MDA summer camp
• Assisting in the local MDA office

To learn more, contact your local office.

“Through MDA we’ve met so many people who have been a great support. The people who work for MDA have really truly become our friends and part of our support network.” — Scott and Kirsten Stafne, Minnesota, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis