Volunteer Counselor for MDA Summer Camp

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An amazing opportunity this summer in providing a life-changing experience for children fighting muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases at MDA Summer Camp.

As part of MDA’s lifesaving mission to help kids live longer and grow stronger, MDA provides a summer camp program for kids ages 6-17 - offered at no cost to their families. Each year, 85 kids with neuromuscular diseases in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area attend MDA Summer Camp at MDA Camp Westminster Woods. Kids look forward to MDA camp year-round, and they almost all agree "it’s the best week of the year."

MDA Summer Camp opens up a world of possibilities to kids with neuromuscular diseases who often experience limitations in life and daily activities. Kids living with muscular dystrophy and related life-threatening diseases that limit strength and mobility often face many unique challenges. Neuromuscular diseases progressively weaken muscles, often taking away everyday abilities like running, walking, hugging and even breathing.

MDA Summer Camp is a magical place where anything is possible for these special kids, but MDA needs caring people to volunteer as camp counselors. 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 serve as a "buddy" for the week and participate in activities with the campers. They push wheelchairs, lift and transfer youngsters, assist in respiratory equipment and provide assistance with daily living activities as needed. (There is a RN, Neurologist, OT, PT on site for the entire week.)

In addition to bringing joy to our campers, this is an amazing opportunity for students in your program to gain hands-on experience in education, recreation, family social sciences and medical professions. As camp volunteers, they will acquire a week of experience working with children living with neuromuscular disease, as well as 140 volunteer hours. MDA staff and the camp medical team provide all the medical training your students will need for the week. The only request we have is that your students enjoy working with kids, have an open heart, and that they are willing to learn. (Note: Food and lodging are provided to our volunteers at no cost.)

Approximately 80% percent of our camp volunteers are students from local colleges seeking a variety of majors and career paths. This is a great opportunity for them to build their résumés and gain hands-on experience. They also will be in a position to receive letters of recommendation supporting their applications for postgraduate opportunities. And, it really is a fun and memorable week for the campers and volunteers, alike.

We truly can’t do this without the help of caring individuals like you and your students. A representative from our office is more than willing come out to speak to your students at your earliest convenience. We know your lecture time is critical, so this brief presentation would require about five minutes at the end of your class. This way, if students have additional questions, we can answer them following your class.

Otherwise, if you would prefer to include this information in an email to your students, please tell them they can contact me directly at wgrindall@mdausa.org or 415-673-7500 for more information.

Some Basic Information about our Summer Camp this year:

What: A free summer camp for children ages 6-17 living with neuromuscular diseases.

When: July 31st-August 6th, 2016

Where: Occidental, CA
Why: Make a difference in the life of a child living with neuromuscular disease, gain valuable experience, make friends and have FUN!

Link:

http://tinyurl.com/MDACounselor2016