Page 11 - CMTeen_Volume1_Issue4

Words Cannot

Describe

By Jeana Sweeney*
EXHILARATED. HAPPY. LOVED.
TIRED. These were just some of the words
that the kids at Camp Footprint used to
describe it. The kids got to experience so
many things that those of us with CMT long
for, but I think that the most important
was freedom—freedom to fit in, to be them-
selves and to try what they thought was the

impossible. Trying—and succeeding at—canoeing,
fishing, swimming and so much more—
gave the campers self-confidence and a sense of in-
dependence. Within this bubble of freedom,
campers and camp staff built bonds that will
never be broken. Thanks to social media, those
relationships will be maintained.
CMTA staff started talking about doing a
camp several years ago. CMTA CEO Pat Livney was
passionate about the idea because of his experience
as a counselor at a Muscular Dystrophy Association
camp for kids. He wanted children living with CMT
to have the same experience. The CMTA lobbied the
state of Pennsylvania for funds to start the camp
(not an easy task) but lo and behold, we got a YES!
The state granted the CMTA $100,000 to hold Camp
Footprint, helping the CMTA make history!
For many campers, the feeling of fitting in was a
new one. One child’s experience is typical.

This camper had never really felt like she
fit in with her peers and often sat alone
reading a book during lunch time at her
school. She thought things would be the
same at camp. She had no expectation
of fitting in there either, so she packed a
book with her things. As the week went
on though, she began to open up and talk
to those around her. Asked to name her
favorite part of camp, she said, “Every-
one here knows my name.” She returned
home happy, her book still unread.

* Jeana is the CMTA’s community
services director.
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