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MDA kids get kick out of summer camp

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 11, 2009

BRANDON - Youngsters raced up and down the sidewalks at Rotary's Camp Florida in their electric wheelchairs Wednesday, heading from one carnival booth to another, with no sign that the sweltering heat might dampen their fun.

The annual MDA Camp, which draws kids with muscular dystrophy from across the region, is off and running, with 42 campers and an equal number of counselors making sure the week is filled with fun. Hundreds of volunteers and sponsors also packed in to the camp off Lakewood Drive to ensure the week would be memorable and safe for those spending their nights in cabins and their days with their peers fishing, horseback riding, swimming and painting.

"This is all community-based," said Jennifer Bell, the Muscular Dystrophy Association district director from St. Petersburg. "Everyone pitches in. The Hillsborough County firefighters and their boot drive is huge; the Pinellas Park firefighters had a fishing tournament. Hillsborough County cooked lunch today."

Yvette C. Hammett

To view a photo gallery of the camp, go to http://snap.tbo.com/galleries/index.php?id=357333

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