Camp JOA 2026
August 9–14, 2026
Camp Courageous | Iowa
Registration opens February 2026
MDF is excited to welcome our Juvenile-Onset Adult (JOA) community back to camp in 2026! Camp JOA is designed for adults ages 18+ living with juvenile-onset myotonic dystrophy (JOA). This means symptoms began in childhood and diagnosis occurred by age 21.
Join fellow JOA community members at Camp Courageous in Iowa for five nights of connection, fun, and shared experience.
What to Expect
From August 9–14, campers will enjoy:
- Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- Zipline and archery
- Boat rides
- Campfires and marshmallow roasting
- Music, dancing, and themed evening activities
- Time to relax, recharge, and build friendships
Camp JOA is more than a summer camp. It is a supportive, inclusive space to connect with others who understand life with DM, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
About Camp Courageous
Camp Courageous of Iowa is a fully accessible camp facility.
- All cabins are climate-controlled
- Showers include shower chairs
- Hoyer lifts are available on site
- Trained staff support camper needs
Campers are supervised at a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio to ensure safety and individualized support.
Camp Fee & Coverage
The camp fee is $840. If you are unable to cover the camp fee, MDF may be able to help. A limited number of sponsored spots are available. During registration, you will be asked whether you and your family can cover the fee.
If cost is a concern, please reach out. We want to help make camp possible.
Contact Lucie Shiffman
Senior Manager of Community Engagement
lucie.shiffman@myotonic.org
415-800-7777
Travel Information
Camp runs Sunday, August 9 through Friday, August 14, 2026. Campers are responsible for airfare if needed.
Transportation between Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) and camp is included.
Travel Requirements
To participate, campers must be able to:
- Travel independently to Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- Navigate from their arrival gate to the designated pick-up location
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please contact us before registering.
Parents or guardians may travel with their camper to Iowa. However, parents/guardians may not attend camp and are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. Financial assistance is not available for parental travel.
All campers must confirm travel arrangements by July 1, 2026.
Registration Process
- Complete the online Camp JOA 2026 Registration Form:
Start Your Camp JOA 2026 Registration >> - Attend a brief virtual interview with MDF (camper and emergency contact)
- If accepted, complete registration with Camp Courageous and submit required medical forms
- Confirm travel plans by July 1, 2026
Travel Financial Assistance
MDF offers travel financial assistance for registered and accepted campers.
Eligible campers may request up to $500 in travel reimbursement for:
- Airfare
- Rideshare or ground transportation
- Parking
- Mileage reimbursement
Priority will be given to first-time campers. Applications from returning campers will be reviewed after first-time awards are distributed.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 5, 2026 (midnight) and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Campers must be registered and accepted before applying for financial assistance.
Click here to learn more and apply for Financial Assistance for Camp JOA! >>>
Questions?
We’re here to help. For more information about Camp JOA 2026, please contact:
Lucie Shiffman
Senior Manager of Community Engagement
lucie.shiffman@myotonic.org
415-800-7777