Alex the casino games at summer camp. When Alex and Ben Jones arrive at the Muscular Dystrophy Association camp, they can't wait for their parents to leave. The brothers, ages 11 and 9, are immersed in a week of wheelchair hockey, horseback riding and talent shows that are all adapted for the 80 campers with neuromuscular diseases. There are two weeklong sessions of camp, during the last two weeks of June. The campers are ages 6 to 21 and are cared for by 120 volunteers who help make physical activities, like boating and baseball, accessible to wheelchair-using children.
Every camper has a volunteer to be their arms and legs.
The most severe of these diseases is muscular dystrophy, which often leaves children unable to walk. In metro Detroit, MDA branches in Southfield, Farmington Hills and Sterling Heights serve 1,500 families. Although the camp is brimming with activities and action, Segal said, a relaxed atmosphere gives campers the chance to build friendships as well as self-confidence. Meanwhile, Alex has discovered a knack for the casino night games like roulette and blackjack. And, at the end of their week at camp, Alex and Ben will each hang a glowstick on a giant tree and make a wish.