BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Make a Muscle, Make a Difference

By Monica Da Jose, Incarnate Word Academy, School Buzz Editor | August 19, 2014

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Camper B.J. Bond fishing with his counselor. (Photo provided by MDA Houston Goodwill Ambassadors)

This summer I volunteered at Muscular Dystrophy camp. At the beginning of the week, I was admittedly nervous. After all, it was my first time at any summer camp, never mind that it was my first time volunteering.

However, the two days of basic training couldn’t prepare me for the full experience of volunteering. One of the things that surprised me the most was how the campers were just like other kids. The female campers my age were just as meticulous about their appearance as my classmates and me. The young boys were just as energetic and strong-willed as my little brother. These were kids that watched television shows and movies that I watched. Once I got past the physical aspect, they were kids that were exactly like everyone else.

The kids impressed me in ways that I didn’t expect. They were incredibly patient of newbie volunteers like me. They were energetic like other kids their age. They were sharp and mentally strong in ways that I hadn’t expected.

Camper Dyla heading to the dance. (Photo provided by MDA Houston Goodwill Ambassadors)

Part of me went into camp thinking that this was a place for them to ignore their disability for a week. However, they didn’t. One of my campers had an older brother at camp with him, and he was keenly aware that his own condition would progress similarly to his brother. Even with that thought in the back of his head, he still enjoyed running around and riding horses and zip-lining. They were not dissuaded by their conditions. Rather, they accepted them as an aspect of life, one that wouldn’t stop them from going places.

These kids are an inspiration. They showed me that mental strength can take you above and beyond. It was one of those experiences that I can’t fully put into words because it touches your heart in a way just beyond words. Camp puts you in a different reality, one that is difficult to describe. If you want to know what I’m talking about, then I suggest signing up for camp yourself. It’s worth it.