NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 30, 2010- Over 30 youth from cities throughout Conn. will be attending the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) annual summer camp for kids at Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, Conn from July 11 until July 16.
MDA's camp programs offer the unique experience for young people with neuromuscular diseases to participate in a variety of events created to develop friendships, share interests and build self confidence. The camp consists of a week long session featuring typical camp activities adapted for youths between the ages of six and 17 with one of the over 40 neuromuscular diseases. The camper fee is covered entirely by generous support from local corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds to support MDA no cost is incurred by the family.
This year, campers will enjoy a myriad of activities throughout the week including archery, swimming, fishing, a climbing wall, and arts and crafts. Highlights of the week include a Magic Show, donated by a R.I. MDA family, a Harley Bike Show, sponsored by Harley Davidson’s New London HOG chapter, a scavenger hunt, movie night, carnival games and motorcycle rides.
The annual VIP Day will take place on Wednesday, July 14. On VIP Day, parents, prospective campers, media and sponsors can visit the camp. There is also a camp-wide carnival with special activities and a number of booths run by sponsors. Michael John of Long Island Sound will host a DJ booth where campers can learn how to DJ. There will also be a photography booth, hosted by Robert Jones of Robert Jones LLC, and a Nintendo Wii booth, hosted by the Hospital for Special Care. Campers will have the opportunity to explore an antique fire truck, provided by Bob Carlson and the Wallingford Fire Department. Campers can also participate in a team Wheelchair Derby Relay Race, sponsored by Joseph Michalak of Genzyme Therapeutics and Elizabeth Vernon of Athena Diagnostics. VIP Day will conclude with a Silent Auction event where campers use their “MDA Dollars” to bid on auction items. Campers can collect “MDA Dollars” from sponsors during VIP day festivities.
“MDA summer camp is a special week of the year when children with muscular dystrophy can enjoy themselves in true peer group and can participate in full range outdoor activities adapted to their abilities,” MDA Camp Director Jennifer Dain said. “Besides being great fun, camp helps youngsters grow and develop emotionally and socially-it’s truly the highlight of the year, for both campers and volunteers.”
Camp Hemlocks has been a longtime host of the MDA summer camp. Camp Hemlocks is located on 160 acres in Hebron, Conn. (just 25 minutes from Hartford). The camp overlooks Jones Pond and borders the Salmon River Forest.
MDA is a voluntary health agency dedicated to helping more than one million Americans affected by neuromuscular disorders through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far reaching professional and public health education.
For more information about this event please contact Jennifer Dain at (203) 248-6500 or jdain@mdausa.org.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Media is invited to attend MDA Summer Camp on Wednesday, July 14th from 12-3 p.m. This is our annual VIP Day, which will allow the kids to thank their sponsors. We can also connect you with a child from your local area that is scheduled to attend camp. For more information, please contact Brooke Eder at 203-288-3500 or beder@mdausa.org.
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