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Volunteers needed for Muscular Dystrophy camps for Summer 2018

MDA Summer Camp
2018 – YMCA Camp Seymour
Gig Harbor, WA
June 23rd – 30th

 

MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) is seeking people to volunteer at MDA Summer Camp this summer!

  • Apply to be an MDA Summer Camp volunteer counselor or medical staff team member and help improve the lives of kids in their community who have muscular dystrophy and related diseases that severely limit muscle strength and mobility.

MDA Summer Camp is a life-changing experience for kids with muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases.

  • Kids with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and related life-threatening diseases face daily challenges that often make “just being a kid” difficult. As their muscles progressively get weaker, children may lose basic functions such as walking, dressing, eating, talking or even breathing.
  • MDA Summer Camp gives kids ages 8-17 the freedom to be kids with others who are just like them during a life-changing week of fun and friendship — all at no cost to their families.
  • Through the magic of summer camp, MDA offers a world of possibilities and awesome adventures to campers — from swimming, adaptive sports, camp dances and more. It’s truly a place where kids can live unlimited.
  • 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:

  • Volunteering at MDA Summer Camp will enrich your life and inspire you in ways you never dreamed possible. You will help kids discover new interests, build self-confidence and experience the independence of being away from home in a safe environment where barriers don’t exist.
  • You will enhance your résumé when applying for scholarships, college, graduate school, employment, etc.
  • You will develop important leadership skills while simultaneously giving back to your community.
  • Camp provides a remarkable opportunity for volunteers to meet new people, build lifelong friendships with fellow counselors and create lasting memories for children living with muscle-debilitating diseases.

Here’s the 2018 summer schedule for MDA Summer Camps in the Pacific Northwest region. Which one is best for your summer schedule & location?

  • June: WA – YMCA Camp Seymour (near Gig Harbor, WA) 6/23/18 – 6/30/18. Deadline for volunteer application completion & supporting documents is 4/27/18
  • July: OR – Macleay Christian Retreat (near Salem, OR) 7/14/18 – 7/20/18. Deadline for volunteer application completion & supporting documents is 6/1/18
  • August: ID – Quaker Hill Camp & Conference Center (near McCall, ID) 8/4/18 – 8/10/18. Deadline for volunteer application completion & supporting documents is 7/3/18

Criteria and responsibilities:

At MDA Summer Camp, volunteer counselors work with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases need.

Volunteers must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age; 18 at some
  • Be able to lift and care for campers and assist with their needs;
  • Complete an application and submit two references if a you are a new volunteer;
  • 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 (June 23rd) that will help inspire confidence in being a counselor.

How to sign up and learn more today:

  • Visit the MDA Summer camp website: https://www.mda.org/summer-camp/volunteer and click “Get Started” in the box labeled “Interested in becoming an MDA Summer camp Volunteer?” at the bottom of the page. You can also learn more on this webpage about why MDA Summer Camp is such a special experience for campers and volunteers.
  • Contact your local MDA office:
    • MDA – Western Washington office in Mountlake Terrace, WA at (206) 283-2183 or email RBurris@mdausa.org for more information on becoming an MDA Summer Camp volunteer at YMCA Camp Seymour near Gig harbor, WA (6/23/18-6/30/18).
    • MDA – Oregon office in Portland, OR at (503) 223-3177 or email CBishop@mdausa.org for more information on becoming an MDA Summer Camp volunteer at Macleay Christian Retreat near Salem, OR (7/14/18-7/20/18).
    • MDA – Idaho/Eastern Washington office in Boise, ID at (206) 283-2183 or email KHopfensperger@mdausa.org for more information on becoming an MDA Summer Camp volunteer at Quaker Hill Camp & Conference Center near McCall, ID (8/4/18-8/10/18).
  • If you can’t volunteer at one of the MDA camps in the Pacific Northwest, you can still help make the magic of camp come to life by volunteering at one of the other MDA Summer Camps around the country – they’re all available to choose from when you begin the application process.

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