When I first came to college, I was told about all of the ways Naz can help you be more involved in the community. This has always held true throughout my time at Naz, but most recently, Naz brought me to Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camp.

During one physical therapy club meeting, we had visitors from the MDA Association who were there to talk to us about summer camp. The camp happens every year all around the country, and gives children with various neuromuscular diseases an experience that I personally believe changes lives: summer camp. Locally, the camp is held at the Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush, NY.

I immediately applied to be a counselor, and many weeks and an interview later, I was accepted as an MDA volunteer. Every summer from the ages of six to nineteen, I was at summer camp and I can’t imagine not having that experience. Let’s just say I was overjoyed to be able to return to summer camp. Not only did I get to go back to camp, but it also gave me the opportunity to gain experience working with the population I hope to work with for my career. Career preparation and fun? I’ll take it!

Each counselor was matched with a camper to be buddies for the week. Each cabin was made up of several buddy pairs. As counselors, it was our job to make sure the campers were having fun and to encourage them to try new things, as well as provide any extra care they might need. I was fortunate to be placed in the Mohawak cabin, which was the best cabin of all (I’m sure other cabins might disagree)!

Throughout the week, the campers (and us counselors) went fishing at the pond, went swimming in the pool, climbed the rock wall, blazed down the zipline, caught turtles (and let them go) in paddle boats, did arts and crafts, explored nature, and much much more! I could go on writing each and every detail about MDA summer camp, but I think pictures could say more than I could! I’m so glad I learned about MDA Summer camp through Naz, and I can’t wait to go back next year.

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