MDA Seeks Counselors, Medical Professionals

­For August Camp

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — The Muscular Dystrophy Association in the Fairfield County and Lower Hudson Valley areas is searching for summer camp volunteers who are looking for a rewarding and memorable experience. Volunteer counselors are needed to help young people with neuromuscular diseases enjoy a fun-filled MDA summer camp August 18–24 at Spring Valley, N.Y.

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 21. Each counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a neuromuscular disease. Counselors help their campers with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing, and in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming, and horseback riding.

“MDA summer camp is the event that our kids think about year-round,” said MDA’s Health Care Service Coordinator Gloria English. “For one week out of the year, they get to be in an environment where having a neuromuscular disease is the norm, not the exception. They have the chance to make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ms English noted that volunteer counselors often say camp is a magical and memorable time. “It’s such a family environment and a time to make friends for life,” she said. “It truly is the best week of the year!”

At no charge to families, MDA’s summer camp program serves more than 4,000 campers nationwide in some 90 weeklong sessions. Last year, more than 4,700 volunteers helped make this all possible.

To obtain a volunteer application or learn about other ways to support MDA’s summer camp program, call the local MDA office at 203-256-8118 or 800-572-1717. More information about summer camp volunteers can be found on the MDA summer camp pages at www.mdausa.org/clinics/camp/index.cfm.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. Individual private contributors fund the association’s programs almost entirely.