Marnie Halliday

Marnie Halliday:  Volunteer

My first MDA summer camp began in 2009, two weeks after my niece Maddi was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (one of the 42 Muscular Dystrophy diseases). That first year will stay with me as one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I had no idea what to expect since I was still trying to understand the disease she was diagnosed with. It is hard to explain in words all I felt but I can tell you it has changed me forever. Seeing all those people giving up part of their summer vacation to help kids who need so much physical help was eye-opening. The love and kindness displayed to someone most had never met was awe-inspiring. It gave me hope that our world will become a better place. I love that the wheelchairs, braces, and special shoes and equipment just melted into the background and all you could see were some amazing kids who just want to be like everyone else. Everyone is family at camp. I know that if I wasn't there to help Maddi, dozens of others would be there to help with anything she needed. Maddi has made some life-long friends as well and that makes me happy. The last few years at Camp Roger have been great too. The bonding time spent in the cabins has been great for us all. I'm the least girly girl I know, but that week at camp I let the girls do my makeup and paint my nails. We have a great time. I'm always amazed at how much these kids can accomplish and how much their independence means to them. I'm glad that Maddi wants me to come with her until she is too old so it looks like I have at least 5 more years of experiencing my favorite week of the year. I have 2 favorite memories that stand out over the years. One is Maddi dancing with Matt last year. It was so adorable and he was so sweet with her. I'll never forget it. The other was 2 years ago. A little 7 year old boy in my group was at his first camp. His uncle came with him and he stayed pretty close to him for most of camp. On the last night we were in our groups talking about our favorite part of camp. His little eyes teared up and he was so emotional while saying it was the best time of his life. It has been great to see the kids grow over the years. I love them all and the volunteers are pretty amazing too. I can't wait to go 'back to summer camp, happy land. I'm gonna catch the spirit if I can'.

Taylor Cella

Taylor Cella: Volunteer

To be honest, the only reason I attended camp last year was because my parents wanted me to. I was super nervous about going up, I'd never been away from home, and completely shut away from the world for that long. My parents convinced me that it would be an awesome opportunity, and that it would also look good on college applications and such. Once I got up there, my whole view on camp completely changed. I can think of a better way to end my summer than going up and spending a week with such amazing people. I cried at the end of the week because I didn't want it to be over! The moment I left I made up my mind that I was going again every year that I could. This year I'm going again because I want to, not because my parents want me to. I made so many friends up at camp, and am still super close with a lot of the people I met, especially with my cute camper. My advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple: no matter if you're nervous, or questioning going, just go. Whatever doubts you have will all vanish the second you get up to camp. You will not regret it!

Ken Morton

Ken Morton: Volunteer

It's so difficult to describe in words what Muscular Dystrophy Association Summer Camp is. At the very basis it is a week dedicated to the care and entertainment of children and teenagers with neuromuscular diseases - that manifests itself in many forms and complications. At the core of MDA Summer Camp is feeling.

Several years ago, at one particular MDA Summer Camp, we were on a bus ride within our camp groups to one of many destinations that week. I was standing next to a young Bret Pilaar. We were all talking about the activities and experiences of the week thus far. Bret was asked what his favorite part of camp was so far. Bret coyly replied, "McKehl", not aware that she was standing right behind him. MeKehl leaned her head around next to his and looked at him eye to eye. Bret couldn't have been more floored that she had been standing right there. Amidst his baffled reaction she leaned closer and gave him a big kiss on his cheek. Instantly his cheek became the same color as his lips and soon his whole face became beet red. His dropped open mouth quickly turned to a smile. Bret always remembered this moment and would blush any time it was brought up. It was maybe the first of the multitude of kissed he would receive over the years. He was a magnet for a girl's affection. Looking back I cannot recall Bret's face without a smile.

Bret's personal caption." I'm blushing here."

Moments like this become one of a million that happen during the week of MDA Summer Camp. While I can't begin to describe or put a list together of what Bret and the others have taught me and the ways they have influenced me, it becomes simply stated but deeply complicated that these amazing individuals soften your soul.

MDA Summer Camp is something that is put together by the Muscular Dystrophy Association using donations from individuals, families, and corporations. These diseases that are Muscular Dystrophy are seriously debilitating and terminal, for some at a very young age. Those living with the disease do not get the same length of time or opportunity that others get to build life experiences and memories. The large majority of time and monetary donations are allocated to research and development for treatments and cures for these diseases. Time and money also make it possible for these wonderful young ones to concentrate amazing moments into a week of their lives. They will always exponentially give back more than is given. It is incredible. To all my friends in the MDA family, I love you. Bret you are missed but your influence has been unimaginable.

Jarom Woodis

Jarom Woodis: Volunteer

I thought life was hard.  Then my brother went to a thing called MDA camp.  He came back a changed kid.  So naturally I was curious what it was.  But I wasn't old enough.  So I waited till the next year when I could go.  I went to camp and was expecting one thing but it turned out better than I expected
.  I got a young boy in a wheel chair.  Because of this kid, I learned more and grew more spiritually and mentally then I had in months.  MDA is an amazing experience and if given the opportunity take it!  It's so worth it!