Serving Up Smiles Mda Offers A Summer Camp For Kids
I was sworn to secrecy.
Huddled on cots in the girls’ cabin, the bright-eyed campers spoke in hushed tones, recounting to me the story of how they were rudely awakened, at 5:30 that morning, by a large dinner bell. The boys had smuggled it into their bathroom, attached it to the commode, and rang it until beds were rattling and girls were screaming.
Retaliation would be tonight, the girls agreed, and they eagerly devised a plan. Would those boys ever be sorry.
For kids, summer camp is a memorable slice of life: sunshine and water fights. Late nights and junk food. Healthy hormones bouncing between the sexes.
The only noticeable difference at Camp Larson is that each of the 42 campers cruises around on a motorized wheelchair throughout the level, accessible camp. And the ratio of camper to counselor is one-to-one.
This is Muscular Dystrophy camp, nestled in a secluded bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene near Worley, Idaho. It serves kids ages 6 through 18 who have been diagnosed with one of 40 neuromuscular diseases supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
For these kids, camp is free.
MDA is able to offer camps to kids with muscular dystrophy through funds raised during the annual “Stars Across America” Labor Day Telethon, which airs today from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on KREM-Channel 2 and is hosted nationally by Jerry Lewis.
Last year, MDA sponsored 91 week-long camps in 43 states and Puerto Rico, sending more than 4,000 kids to camp.
“For one week a year,” says camp director Sharon Perry, “these kids get to be in the majority instead of the minority and do things they don’t get to do at home.”
Fourteen-year-old Veronica Wissel of Mountain Home, Idaho, has been to camp eight years.
What she likes best are the people, she says.
Jonathon Travis has lots of favorite things. Age 11-1/2, Travis has been diagnosed with carnitine deficiency, which weakens his hands and muscles.
It doesn’t prevent him from enjoying swimming, water events and the obstacle course.
“I like all of it,” Travis says. “There’s so much fun stuff to do, you get really tired.”
The 50 volunteer counselors needed for Camp Larson are recruited from colleges, 4-H, Girl and Boy Scouts and the Air Force.
They have a heart for the kids and 90 percent are repeat counselors, says Perry.
“I love it,” says Pete Baltes, a returning counselor who serves in the Air Force and was granted permissive leave to be there for the week.
Bridget Brandon, a counselor for four years, says it is worth it to see the looks on the kids’ faces.
“Their attitude is so far different when they go home than when they start. It’s fun, and they are such characters.”
Camp activities are typical: fishing, swimming, paddle boats, dances, bonfires, water fights, arts and crafts and great food.
What is atypical is the close bond that develops between camper and counselor.
Perry says MDA camp is only possible through the efforts of volunteer counselors who donate their time, businesses who sponsor activities, and individuals who pledge dollars during the telethon.
“What do I find most rewarding about camp?” asks Perry. “The joy the campers get from being here.”
Like the joy of a hot summer day, a room full of giggling girls and some sweet revenge toward a cabin of unsuspecting boys.
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Telethon to be aired 6 a.m.-4 p.m. The 30th annual “Stars Across America” Labor Day Telethon will be broadcast live today from Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park in Spokane from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on KREM-Channel 2. The telethon is the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s largest single source of support. Funds raised during the telethon help MDA carry on its fight against 40 neuromuscular diseases through research, public education and support services. Support services offer children and adults with neuromuscular diseases medical care, physical therapy, counseling and free summer camp. Local airing of the telethon will feature interviews with individuals and families served by MDA’s programs. The 1995 MDA Goodwill Ambassador, Zachry Crawford of Spokane, will participate as the spokesperson for neuromuscular disease. An “Executive Lock-up” will be held during the broadcast where professionals will be put “in jail” with a cellular phone and given an hour to come up with their bail of $1,000 worth of pledges. Spokane Fire Department volunteers will take telephone pledges. The local broadcast will frequently cut away to the national broadcast, originating from CBS in Hollywood, featuring national chairman Jerry Lewis as well as entertainers and sports luminaries. - Lynn Gibson