Camp John Marc

UT Southwestern’s Doctor of Physical Therapy students have the opportunity to serve as camp counselors during their second summer semester. Along with members of the Dallas Fire Department, students can serve as counselors at Camp John Marc in Bosque County, Texas, during the camp’s muscular dystrophy week.

What is Camp John Marc?

Camp John Marc offers camping experiences for chronically ill and disabled children and their families. The camp works in partnership with health organizations, community volunteers, and pediatric hospitals to develop cooperative programming that meets the special needs of these children.

In addition to children with muscular dystrophy, Camp John Marc offers camping experiences for children with asthma, bereavement, blindness, burns, cancer, craniofacial disorders, deafness, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, hemophilia, HIV, juvenile arthritis, kidney disease, sickle cell anemia, spina bifida, upper limb differences, and transplants.

Camp facilities include an eight-acre lake and fishing pier, covered wagon and treehouse-themed camping areas, beach-access pool, arts and crafts building, medical building, athletic field, multipurpose barn, challenge course, amphitheater, nature trails, riding arena, dining hall, 20 cabins, the Morning Star chapel, and Silo activity building.

Role of the PT Student

During the week, each student along with community volunteers and a comprehensive medical staff provide around-the-clock, individual care and engagement to campers between the ages of 6-17 who live with a form of muscular dystrophy. The PT students practice important rehabilitation skills and gain invaluable insights into the experience of caring full-time for someone with a progressive neuromuscular disease. Our students have repeatedly reflected that this unique experience is life-changing and extremely valuable in helping them understand the challenges that both the family and child face in daily life.