Approximately 1,800 children have attended 33 MDA summer camps in the past month, with another 2,500 scheduled to attend the remaining 47 camps that have now been canceled. An equal number of volunteer counselors also attend each camp.

            The MDA summer camp program began in 1955 with one camp in New Jersey. Today, it serves more than 4,300 children. MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information about summer camp or MDA, visit www.MDA.org or contact Abbey McLaughlin at amclaughlin@mdausa.org.

Meridian, TX, June 2, 2009 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has “excavated” a list of more than 100 North Texas children with neuromuscular diseases to attend the annual MDA Summer Camp Jun. 21-26 at Camp John Marc in Meridian, TX.

            Camp John Marc has partnered with MDA for 17 years. This year’s archeological theme is “Can You Dig It?” and features a talent show, a dance and other opportunities to enable youngsters to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Campers are also able to participate in various activities like fishing, swimming, boating, horseback riding, a zip line, arts and crafts and other indoor events.

            MDA camp programs offer a unique experience for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs because of their diseases. Families pay no cost to send their children to camp. Local corporations, groups and individuals who raise funds for MDA cover the entire $800 per camper fee. Camp John Marc offers the campsite to user groups, like MDA, for a nominal fee.

Doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are on site the entire week for health reasons, and each camper is paired with their own counselor for the week. Tom Thumb has also provided MDA with pharmacists to check each child’s medications before he/she departs and an 18-wheeler truck to carry all wheel chairs and orthopedic equipment to the camp. Tom Thumb Director of Public Relations Connie Yates will conduct a cooking class at camp.

            Campers depart Sunday, Jun. 21 from Children’s MedicalCenter located at 2350 Stemmons Frwy in Dallas. Children will meet their bus buddies at 10:30 a.m., lunch will follow and the buses will depart at 1 p.m. Media professionals will have the chance to visit MDA summer camp Thursday, Jun. 25, for “Media Day.” Reporters and photographers can obtain interviews, photos and footage for this day. Children will return home Friday, Jun. 26.

            MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat the 43 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. Don’t forget to watch the Dallas/Fort Worth area Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon on Sept. 7 broadcast by KXAS NBC 5. For more information about summer camp or MDA, visit www.MDA.org or contact Abbey McLaughlin at amclaughlin@mdausa.org.