If you’re 16 or older, you’re invited to apply and join the MDA team as a summer camp volunteer. At most MDA camps, volunteer counselors work one-on-one with campers, providing the around-the-clock care, close supervision and the attention that children with muscular dystrophy need. Counselors push wheelchairs, meet the daily needs of each child and become a youngster’s friend for a week. MDA especially is in need of male camp volunteers; however, female camp volunteers also are needed.

You can make a difference in the life of a child as a:

• volunteer counselor;
• volunteer medical staff;
• volunteer activity/program coordinator;
• volunteer camp planning committee member; and
• volunteer water safety instructor

It’s a tall order to be an MDA camp counselor — someone who is paired with one camper 24 hours a day for the camp week, and whose goal it is to make camp a safe and fun experience for the campers. MDA looks for people who can fulfill many specific responsibilities and duties in addition to meeting their camper’s emotional and physical needs. MDA provides pre-camp training to all camp volunteers.

How to become a volunteer

• Complete a volunteer application through your local MDA office.
• Submit three letters of reference.
• Consent to a criminal background check.
• Interview with MDA staff.

Contact your local MDA office if you're interested in volunteering at MDA summer camp.    

"My experience at MDA summer camp this past week was something I will never forget, and I feel that I left with the tools to become a better physician." — Dr. Albert Ho, medical staff volunteer

"I began the week nervous about what was ahead of me, and by the end of the week I did not want to leave. From the first day, I told myself that I would do whatever it took to ensure he had a good time and enjoyed his week at camp" — Mark, camp volunteer