CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. -- One week a year, children with muscular dystrophy - with a little help from some cammie-clad friends - take over Camp Cuyamaca to enjoy activities regular kids take for granted like swimming, nature walking and arts and crafts.
Marines, sailors and civilians partner up and visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp each year to help the children enjoy these events.
"I feel good being involved in the MDA program. It helped me understand a little better what those kids go through," said Cpl. Daniel E. Sanchez, a radio wire operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 3, Marine Aircraft Group 39.
Sanchez, along with 76 other service members from Camp Pendleton, Miramar, Twentynine Palms and Yuma, made the trek to the mountain camp about 90 miles from Pendleton. It was the first time for many volunteers ? and the expressions on their faces told their feelings.
"People underestimate and don't even bother to look at disabled kids. Attending this camp for the first time made me realize these kids want the same kind of attention as other kids. I learned a great deal about myself, and I hope to come back next year," said Pfc. Jenny D. Huffsmith, an administrative clerk for Engineer Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 from Miramar.
For others, including some of the afflicted youths, coming back is not an option.
Charles E. Whitaker, 21, attended camp for 16 years, but he can't come back next year, due to the age limit.
"I would like to come out here for as long as I could, but unfortunately this is my last year. I like hanging out with Marines, you learn a lot from them. They give me more confidence and I can act like myself," Whitaker said.
For some volunteers, MDA summer camp is like a vacation.
"I love it," said Jennifer Lovrien, a San Clemente native. "I have twin brothers who attend this camp. This event is the highlight of my whole year, the best week. It's very challenging and well worth it."
Each summer, 4,000 kids nationwide with neuromuscular diseases enjoy such camps, according to the association's Web site at www.mdausa.org.
"It's really a great break for the kids to get away from their family," said Jennifer L. Grano, 18, a native of Riverside. "It gives them time to relax and meet other kids just like them."
The camps have been held annually since 1955. This year's camp theme was "Patriotism, thank you to all of our troops."
The camp is paid for by fund-raisers throughout the year, including "lock-ups" (slumber parties) and tailgate parties.
"We could not make this happen without the military's help," said Glenn Riese, the health care services coordinator for the MDA. "It's too hard to get other volunteers. It's the discipline, kindness and love that are shown by these Marines and sailors that means so much to our kids.
"We would like to thank everyone involved in the program to include civilians."