Visiting MDA Summer Camp Before The Annual Telethon

MERIDIAN (CBSDFW.COM) - CBS 11 AND TXA 21 are proud new sponsors of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Labor Day Telethon. On June 23, Larry Mowry and Karen Borta both visited the MDA Summer Camp. While at the kid's camp they met some of the campers and learned more about how the organization helps them.

From blow darts, to swimming, horseback riding and canoeing, for North Texas children with neuromuscular diseases, the MDA Summer Camp is their home away from home.

"It's just a chance to be with people just like me and my wheelchair, and it's a great opportunity to be with old friends and make new ones," said Brian Spann from Allen.

The nearly 100 campers and their counselors come from all over North Texas to stay at Camp John Marc for one week.

"You do nothing but have fun," said Hannah Ostermayer from Dallas.

"I've been having a blast here a lot," Joshua Pflueger from Joshua said.

Camper Harrison Vaughn from Dallas is an old pro at fishing - which is also his favorite camp activity. "I caught three fish!" he said. Makenzie Smith, 13, from Josephine even broke a camp record this year in canoeing beating all the boys' fastest times.

For these kids, who grow up so fast in the face of so many challenges, this camp gives them a chance to just be themselves. "It makes me feel better about myself, and being in a wheelchair doesn't really matter to me anymore," Makenzie said.

And, for kids like Sam "The Man" Killian, being himself means putting on his best comedy act. "What do you call a computer super hero," he asked. "A screen saver!"

Some of the money raised during the annual MDA Labor Day Telethon goes towards sending kids to the camp.

Please join us on TXA 21 on Sunday, September 4 from 5 p.m. - Midnight and help Make a Muscle, Make a Difference for kids with MDA!