MDA seeks volunteer camp counselors

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is seeking caring, fun-loving individuals to become volunteer counselors at a week-long summer camp to assist young people with muscular dystrophy and related diseases to have the time of their lives.
The MDA camp runs Aug. 3-9 at Camp Hemlocks in Hebron.

Volunteer counselors must be at least 18 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.

Volunteer counselors say the experience is rewarding for them as well.
"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."
“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   children across the country and in Puerto Rico. 
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 the Hamden MDA office, 203-248-6500. 
Information about summer camp volunteers may be found at http://www.mda.org/clinics/camp/.

This information is taken from a press release from the MDA office in Hamden.