The Muscular Dystrophy Association is actively seeking caring, fun-loving individuals to become volunteer counselors at weeklong MDA summer camp to assist young people with muscular dystrophy and related diseases to have the time of their lives at Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, CT from August 3rd – August 9th.
Volunteer counselors must be at least 18-years-old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 17. Each counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a muscle disease and helps them with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing. Counselors also assist campers with recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and archery.
“MDA summer camp is a life-changing experience for the young people we serve,” Casey Bilodeau, Health Care Services Coordinator said. “It’s a week of barrier-free activities and fun where children can build confidence, nurture independence and forge lifelong friendships with other children facing similar challenges.”
Volunteer counselors say the experience is rewarding for them as well. “MDA has changed my thinking by allowing me to breathe and not take life’s little things for granted.” said Kyle Fecteau, camp volunteer. “As for being a unit leader, MDA has been the hands to mold me into what I have become today; a courageous leader, efficient worker, and an enthusiastic motivator,” he added.
At no charge to families, MDA is sponsoring 77 weeklong summer camp sessions this year, serving some 3,500 children across the country and in Puerto Rico. More than 4,300 volunteers give a week of their time to serve as MDA camp counselors and medical staff. It costs the Association $800 to send one child to camp.
To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA’s summer camp program, call your local MDA office at 203-248-6500. More information about summer camp volunteers can be found at http://www.mda.org/clinics/camp/.
MDA maintains medical clinics nationwide for adults and children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases. Medical services in the CT area are provided through Yale New Haven and Hospital for Special Care
MDA is a 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.