MDF is offering financial assistance to help eligible campers attend Camp JOA 2026, a five-night camp experience at Camp Courageous in Iowa, designed exclusively for adults ages 18+ living with juvenile-onset (JOA) myotonic dystrophy.
Camp JOA is a supportive, inclusive space for connection, growth, and community. Click here to learn more about Camp JOA 2026 >>
Camp JOA Financial Assistance Overview
MDF’s Camp JOA Financial Assistance Program may award up to $500 in travel reimbursement to help cover costs associated with traveling to and from the designated pick-up location at Eastern Iowa Airport (CID).
Eligible reimbursement expenses include airfare, train or bus tickets, rideshare, mileage, airport parking, and travel-day meals.
Due to limited funding, priority will be given to first-time campers and those demonstrating financial need. Applications from returning campers will be reviewed after first-time camper awards are distributed.
Applications will be accepted until midnight on Friday, June 5, 2026, or until all funds have been distributed (whichever comes first). Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Applicants must be registered and accepted to Camp JOA before applying for financial assistance. Click here to register for Camp JOA 2026 >>
Questions? If you are waiting for a response or have questions about MDF’s Camp JOA Financial Assistance Program, please contact MDF’s Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Lucie Shiffman, at lucie.shiffman@myotonic.org.
Who Is Eligible for Camp JOA Financial Assistance?
- Individuals with financial need. Household income information is required to assess need but will not be saved, stored, or shared.
- Caregivers (parents, spouses, etc.) are welcome to apply on behalf of their JOA loved one.
- Priority for first-time campers. Returning campers are welcome to apply, but priority will be given to first-time attendees.
Camp JOA Financial Assistance Rules
- Up to $500 Travel Reimbursement: Covers allowable travel expenses to and from Camp JOA, including airfare, train or bus tickets, mileage, airport parking, and travel-day meals.
- Application Deadline: Midnight on Friday, June 5, 2026, or until funds are fully distributed.
- Applicants must be registered and accepted to camp before applying.
- Awardees must accept offered financial assistance within three days of notification via confirmation email.
- Travel Booking Deadline: Travel must be booked by July 1, 2026, unless otherwise approved.
- Option 1: Book travel independently (reimbursement provided after camp).
- Option 2: Use MDF’s travel service to book airfare/train/bus.
- Reimbursement Process:
- Recipients must submit the MDF Financial Assistance reimbursement form with all applicable receipts within 60 days of attending camp.
- Approved reimbursements will be processed within 30 days of receiving complete documentation.
- Total reimbursement will not exceed $500, even if travel costs exceed this amount.
- Attendance Requirement:
- Missing camp without prior approval may affect eligibility for future financial assistance for up to five years.
- If dismissed from camp due to disciplinary action, the camper is responsible for return travel costs.
Camp JOA Financial Assistance Application
Please complete this form using the camper’s information. Questions marked with an asterisk (*) require a response.