Salt Lake City (ABC 4 News) - For the first time in MDA’s history, Utah's summer camp is actually a camp. For years it's been held at the Salt Lake Airport Hilton, but thanks to dozens of volunteers and donors that's not the case anymore.
Lowe's of Murray came to the rescue with more than 50 volunteers. They built ramps, widened and cleared paths, fixed plumbing, repainted and much more to make the YMCA's camp roger wheelchair accessible.
“I think the main reason why employees want to do something like this is because they want to be able to be a part of the community. Lowe's is always about being a part of the community. Not just home retailing and shopping, but being a part of the community,” said Cory Boothe, Human Resource for Lowe’s in Murray.
Lowe's donated more than 10-thousand dollars in supplies, plus they donated their time. They plan to add even more projects next year to continue to improve the experience for the kids.
The MDA is well underway this week. ABC 4 headed to the mountains above Kamas to check in on the kids to see how they are adapting from the Hilton to Camp Roger.
It took these kids no time to realize the fun right at their fingertips at Utah's 2012 MDA’s summer camp.
“The archery is fun,” said camper Audry Cayama.
“You can play soccer, basketball, archery,” said camper Dallas Gilbert.
“You get to do more activities. You get to a lot of things,” said camper Destiny Hobbs.
It took these kids no time to realize the fun right at their fingertips at Utah's 2012 MDA’s summer camp. It's giving them a chance to let their guard down and have fun.
“At school kids make fun of me because I'm in a wheelchair so, I like to get to see other kids in wheelchairs with the same disability,” said Audry Cayama.
The camp has everything from archery, to relay races, other competitions and art projects ... like making water bottle holders.
There have been many firsts for these kids. They're participating in events that would never have been possible inside a hotel.
This year the camp had to be split into two groups to accommodate all 110 kids. In years to come, MDA hopes to someday be able to bring this big family back together for the best week of the year.
MDA is always in need of donations and volunteers. You can help by calling 1-800-fight-md or by going to
MDA's website.
