MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION PROVIDES WEEK OF CAMP FUN FOR KIDS

CARBONDALE, ILL. -- Chris Veach is like most 14-year-old boys in Campbell, Mo. He likes to go canoeing, camping and he loves swimming. But because he has a crippling disease called muscular dystrophy, he often has to sit on the sidelines and watch other children have fun.

But last week was an entirely different story for Veach. At the Muscular Dystrophy Association's fourth annual camp, he got a chance to do all the things he loves, with other children just like him.

From June 19 to 24, these special children ages 8 to 18 went swimming, boating, hiking and even made arts and crafts projects at the Touch of Nature Center in Giant City State Park in Illinois.

"This is really a great opportunity for these children," said Teresa Birk, program coordinator for the MDA Cape Girardeau office. This office provides services for more than 250 families in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

"This is the one time they get to be with kids who have similar disabilities. They really learn a lot from each other."

The theme for the camp was "Treasure Island," and all activities are centered around that theme. For example, the children went on a scavenger hunt for keys that might unlock the prize-filled treasure chest.

"This camp is really special for a lot of us," Veach said. "I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. You never really want to leave once you've been here."

The camp costs $350 per child, but no child was turned down because of money; the camp expenses were paid for by sponsors. And the campers honored these sponsors last Thursday, by inviting them to dinner at the camp.

"For the sponsors to see the smiles on their faces, makes them want to help out every year," Birk said. "The community has been very supportive and very generous."

There are 10 children participating in the camp this year, each of them has his or her own personal counselor.

"This is really a vacation for them and for their parents," Birk said. "Children with disabilities have a lot of special needs, and the parents sometimes need a break."

The purpose of the camp is not a therapy or learning session, but rather it is just a chance for these children to have fun with one another.

"These children do nothing but smile and have fun from the time they get there to the time they leave," Birk said. "That's what really matters."