The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announces the opening of registration for its virtual MDA Summer Camp for children ages 8 to 17 living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases. MDA Summer Camp, which has been offered in-person for more than 65 years, is being held virtually for the second year due to the pandemic.
Offered at no cost to families, virtual MDA Summer Camp, this year titled, The Great Escape, will include themed programming, accessible activities, STEM programming, virtual connections with fellow campers, and more. Like the regular camp program, virtual MDA Summer Camp will provide fun, new experiences for campers while helping them build their confidence, create life-long friendships, and build other important life skills, MDA notes in a media release.
“We’re very excited about the start of our virtual camp. Our campers will enjoy a host of fun and engaging activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, STEM, special snacks, and more. There will also be exciting new opportunities that can only happen in a virtual environment such as meeting fellow campers from across the country. We’re so grateful to our dedicated volunteers and our generous sponsors for making this possible.”
— Donald S. Wood, PhD, president and CEO of MDA
One-Week Sessions
Virtual MDA Summer Camp, The Great Escape, will be offered in 1-week sessions (Monday-Thursday), beginning the week of June 21 through the week of August 2 (there will be no camp the week of July 4). Families will select the week of their choice when registering their children. Since campers participate from their homes, siblings are also welcomed to join in the fun. For most activities, campers and families will select the best time for them to participate on demand. Camp programming in 2021 will include daily themes like Journey into the Wild; Across America; Around the World; and Time Travel.
Learn about what’s new for 2021 in this video.
Immersive STEM Experience
This year MDA is excited to partner with General Motors for an immersive STEM experience. Each camp session will include intentional, hands-on activities for campers to explore STEM-related concepts and everyday applications, as well as learn about STEM-related careers, the release continues.
“General Motors is so excited to be collaborating with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, bringing immersive STEM learning opportunities to the next generation of leaders and innovators that will help propel the automotive industry into an all-electric future.”
— Terry Rhadigan, executive director of Corporate Giving for GM
“MDA Summer Camp is the best week of my life every year! I was heartbroken when I heard camp wasn’t going to happen in-person, but I am so excited that MDA is making camp available online!”
— Ethan LyBrand, MDA National Ambassador
[Source: Muscular Dystrophy Association]
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Register Now for MDA’s Virtual Summer Camp
