Volunteer Counselors Wanted to Help Kids at MDA Summer Camp

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MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) - Western Washington is now recruiting individuals to sign up to be an MDA summer camp volunteer counselor and help improve the lives of kids fighting muscle disease. The 2015 Western Washington Summer Camp takes place June 20 - 27, 2015 at YMCA Camp Seymour near Gig Harbor, WA

• MDA provides a summer camp program for kids with muscle disease, ages 6 -17 -- offered at no cost to families.
• Children living with muscle diseases face many unique challenges. As their muscles progressively get weaker, these children often lose basic functions such as walking, dressing, eating, talking or even breathing. In many cases, these diseases can be life-threatening, and some children may require 24-hour care from parents or another caregiver.
• More than 3,500 kids attend nearly 80 week-long MDA summer camps each year, with over 70 attending our annual camp in western Washington. Our unique camps foster increased self-confidence, encourage independence and provide a life-changing experience for those who attend.
• MDA camp offers a fun and safe camping experience, along with opportunities to participate in a variety of activities such as horseback riding, swimming, adaptive sports, arts and crafts, camp dances and much more.
• MDA relies on the support and dedication of volunteer counselors who are by campers’ sides day and night so that they can do all the fun activities that summer camp offers.
• Counselors, who serve as a "buddy" for the week, push wheelchairs, lift and transfer youngsters and provide assistance with activities as needed. They also participate in activities with the campers.

Why you should volunteer at MDA summer camp:

• It’s a great opportunity to share your time and talent, and help kids discover new interests, gain increased self-confidence and experience the independence of being away from home in a safe environment where barriers don’t exist.
• Volunteering at MDA summer camp will enhance your résumé and help make you a stronger candidate when applying for scholarships, college, graduate school, employment, etc. This is a great opportunity for people in any field, but especially those in a medical, health care or social service program.
• More importantly, volunteering at MDA summer camp will enrich your life and inspire you in ways you never dreamed possible.
• Camp provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to meet new people, build lifelong friendships, and create lasting memories for children living with muscle disease.
• Volunteers can help kids with muscle disease participate in activities while encouraging them to stretch their comfort zones and learn how to be more self-confident and independent.
• Becoming a camp volunteer will enable you to give back to your community and pay it forward.

Criteria and responsibilities:

At MDA summer camps, volunteer counselors work with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention children with muscle diseases need.

Volunteers must:

• Be at least 16 years of age;
• Be able to lift and care for campers and assist with their needs;
• Complete an online application (see below) and submit three references;
• Have a medical exam within the past year;
• Present up-to-date immunization records;
• Receive a favorable criminal background check;
• Complete an interview with MDA staff;
• Be able to follow MDA-established rules and policies;
• Always be willing to put the campers’ needs first; and
• Attend a pre-camp training session that will help inspire confidence in being a counselor.

How to sign up and learn more today:

• Apply online at: MDA Camp at YMCA Camp Seymour - Volunteer ( http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=521&campCode=md4&idSession=84280)
  • Create your account for MDA Camp at YMCA Camp Seymour- Volunteer and start filling out the application; enter all information including emails for three required references. Only use the above private link to access your account for this MDA camp.
  • APPLICATION DEADLINE is May 20, 2015. Online Applications must be fully completed by that date
    • Have a medical exam within the past year;
    • Present up-to-date immunization records;
    • Receive a favorable criminal background check;
    • Complete an interview with MDA staff;
    • Online application questions? Contact Summer Camp Director Katharine Hensler at khensler@mdausa.org or call the Western Washington MDA office in Seattle, WA at 206-283-2183 for more information on becoming an MDA summer camp volunteer.
    • Visit mda.org/summer-camp to learn more about why MDA summer camp is a special experience for campers and volunteers.

Tell your friends and classmates! We need great people to make a great summer camp experience for our kids!