Contact:
Elise Qvale, Health Care Services Coordinator and Camp Director
(561) 742-3748, eqvale@mdausa.org
MDA SUMMER CAMP HAS SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR IN LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA
Lake Worth, FL, July 12, 2010— The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Summer Camp program was held from June 20th to June 25th at Gold Coast Christian Camp in Lake Worth, FL. 27 campers and 31 counselors and medical staff spent the week taking An American Road Trip through different US cities encountering theme activities each day. Activities included playing games, learning new crafts and playing in the pool, just to name a few.
The MDA Summer Camp is an annual event for kids ages 6-17 who are affected by a form of muscular dystrophy. This camp offers time for campers to make new friends and renew friendships; to try new activities and develop increased self-confidence; and to simply enjoy themselves with other youngsters who have similar disabilities. Campers come from throughout South Florida, both east and west coasts, to enjoy this camp.
The movement of the camp to Lake Worth was made possible due to Lowe’s making the camp their 2010 Heroes project. Over 100 Lowe’s employees descended on the camp to make improvements so the camp was handicap accessible for all our campers. Lowe’s donated all materials and employees volunteer their time to work on the project. Due to this donation, the camp will be able to stay in Lake Worth for many years to come.
Additional activities during the week included a magic show by Gary Goodman, storytelling by Pretend Party Productions, a wildlife session by Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a visit from the Florida Panthers and Stanley C. Panther, golf lessons by Jack Barrett and The First Tee of Palm Beach County, cooking classes by The Center for Independent Living of Broward and a production of The Lion King with Exceptional Theater.
Besides all the activities, campers were treated to camp meals served by area fire fighters and other MDA sponsors. A carnival for the campers also took place giving MDA sponsors an opportunity to experience camp and do activities for the campers. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida (RMHC) also came out and spent time at camp. The campers were
treated to a magic show by Ronald McDonald.
“The 2010 MDA Summer Camp was an amazing experience. Our campers had a great time! This camp gives them the opportunity to be around other kids who deal day-to-day with the same things they do and this week gives them time to just be kids and build lifelong friendships,” says Elise Qvale, MDA Health Care Services Coordinator and Camp Director.
Special thanks to Gold Coast Christian Camp Executive Director, Tracy Twadell, and his staff for their dedication to making their camp a home for MDA Summer Camp.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services and far reaching professional and public health education. For more information regarding the MDA Summer Camp please call Elise Qvale at (561) 742-3748.