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MY PERSONAL PAGE

My name is Kelly. I'm 34 years old and I live in Florida. I have had spinal muscular atrophy since birth. I graduated from college with a degree in Education in 2000. I decided to make this site because so many people don't know much about people with muscular dystrophy. This site is designed to show only one aspect of life that people living with the disease get to enjoy, the MDA Summer Camp.

Have you ever sent your child to a summer camp? Have you ever attended summer camp yourself? If you have, then you know what a fun and exciting time it can be. Well what if the child had muscular dystrophy? Can that child still have an enjoyable camp experience? YOU BET THEY CAN!!!

Most people don't know what it's like to have a disability. Well, I do. One thing I enjoy doing is going to a summer camp SPECIFICALLY for kids with muscular dystrophy every year. I created this site for the so-called "normal" people [if there truly is such a thing, haha] who may have no idea about the types of activities that children and young adults with MD can enjoy. There are links to several different activities listed on the main page with photos from various years of camp.

What is the MDA Summer Camp?

MDA-sponsored summer camps offer a wide range of programs for young people ages 6 to 21 who are affected by neuromuscular disease. Campers attend week-long sessions organized by MDA volunteers and staff. Camp activities are geared to the abilities of campers and may include fishing, swimming, horseback riding, boating, field hockey and baseball. Less physically demanding activities include arts and crafts, nature study, talent shows, cookouts and entertainment. Please call your local MDA representative for more information on the date(s) and location(s) of the camps) in your area.

Who Gets Involved?

Volunteer counselors (who must be at least 16 years old) receive an orientation and training that includes wheelchair techniques, lifting and transfers, personal hygiene, and emergency procedures. The primary responsibility of each counselor is to provide both physical and psychological support to their camper, thereby helping them to enjoy camp. Medical staff are available throughout the week to meet any healthcare needs that may arise. But above all, they become a youngster's friend for a week - and sometimes for a lifetime.

At MDA camp there's always a need for:

  • Volunteer counselors
  • Medical staff
  • Water safety instructors
  • Activity coordinators

Every year the wonderful men and women of Florida's various county fire departments donate their time to visit the camp during the week and even become volunteers themselves. Perhaps the highlight of their visit is the Fire Fighter BBQ held usually on the final full day of camp. They come out and cook a magnificent meal for everyone at the camp, including camp staff. THANKS GUYS!!!!

Becoming a Sponsor

By becoming an MDA summer camp sponsor your organization can provide a local youngster with neuromuscular disease many special summer memories. The cost of sending one child to MDA camp for one week is $525.

As a sponsor, your business or organization will be invited to send a representative to visit the local MDA camp during our special sponsor VIP Day. You'll meet campers appreciative of what your support makes possible and see the joy that your participation in this program creates. Your involvement will also be saluted on the local broadcast of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Become a sponsor! Help a youngster with a neuromuscular disease in your community experience a week of fun and friendship they'll never forget.

THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS ACQUIRED FROM WWW.MDA.ORG.

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