LIVE OAK – Both children and adults alike couldn’t stop smiling at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s week-long camp. Since 1955, MDA hosts more than 90 summer camps annually across the country for children – ranging from six to 21 years of age – who have been diagnosed with one of the 43 neuro-muscular diseases covered by MDA.
The camp for the Jacksonville region is being held this week at Camp Weed in Live Oak and runs through Friday.
Camps are offered in regions covering Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa Bay and South Florida.
About 30 children enjoyed a wide range of activities designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs.
The program, although structured, offers fun in a relaxed atmosphere that allows campers to develop lifelong friendships and build confidence.
The participants enjoyed swimming, tennis, a casino night, arts and crafts, Olympic games, hay rides, a carnival, a dance and a talent show, among other activities.
Due to the tremendous support of sponsors, each camper attends the program for free – a $600 value.
“This year the children are going to be able to ride in a limo before the dance,” said Kelli Skodinski, MDA regional public affairs coordinator. “The dance is probably the most anticipated event.”
Members of the Lake City Fire Department have donated their time and talents to the camp this year.
“This is something my daughter Iris looks forward to all year,” Lake City resident Kimi Roberts said. “She come and be herself; here she is not ‘different.'”
Joseph Cutrono, who has volunteered for seven years, is happy to watch her daughter laugh and play.
“Watching her just smile and laugh really makes you feel good,” he said.
–Ashley Cisneros
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Ashley Cisneros is a co-founder of Chatter Buzz Media, an Orlando Internet marketing firm that helps companies and organizations engage with their target markets through inbound marketing via the Internet. Chatter Buzz Media, which won the Social Madness competition for the Orlando small business market, is a full-service digital marketing firm specializing in website design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing and content creation. Prior to founding Chatter Buzz, Ashley worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, technical writer, marketing manager, public relations practitioner and freelance journalist. To see Ashley’s content writing, visit www.ashleycisneros.com. You can also reach Ashley on her Google profile.
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