Youth Programs

Welcome to CMTA’s Youth Program!

This is the place for youth between the ages of 10-18 to connect with others living with CMT and to learn about CMTA’s programs!

The main goal of the CMTA Youth Program is to help youth living with CMT understand that they are not alone. There is an entire community waiting here for you! From Camp Footprint to other resources, our community will empower you to use your voice and make an impact in the fight against CMT.

JOIN THE CMTA YOUTH PROGRAM

CMTA Box of Sunshine

Finding out that you have CMT as a child can be a tough thing to adjust to. Going through surgery because of your CMT can be a challenge as well. It is easy for a child to see these challenges as though they were a cloudy sky! Worry not, the CMTA is now offering sunshine in a box!

All Box recipients must:

Children under the age of 18
Have a diagnosis of CMT
Live in the United States or Canada
Be preparing for surgery directly related to CMT -or- Be newly diagnosed with CMT within the past year.

Please note: Only ONE box per family and boxes can take up to two weeks to ship.

Box of sunshine request

CMTA YOUTH COUNCIL

How do I get involved in the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association’s (CMTA) Youth Council? How can I help empower the youth? What can I do to make a difference? If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you have come to the right place! We can’t wait to work with you and together empower the youth living with CMT. Sign up now and get involved in CMTA’s Youth Council by helping us complete the projects we are currently working on. Check out our membership requirements by visiting Youth Council Membership Requirements.

Youth Council Project Sign-UP

CMTA CAMP FOOTPRINT

CMTA’s Camp Footprint is the only camp in the United States just for kids with CMT! It is an annual, FREE, six-day sleepaway camp for youth (ages 10-18) with CMT. Camp Footprint empowers youth with CMT with the courage, hope, skills and community for a lifelong journey of realizing potential and developing strengths.

An activity-driven week dedicated to exploration and creativity, Camp Footprint is all about building confidence and community! Camp is an unforgettable week of adventure and fun with friends, and our campers make lifelong friendships based on shared experiences and understanding.

CMTA CONSTELLATIONS

In the vast universe of challenges, navigating life with CMT can feel like wandering in uncharted galaxies. That’s where CONSTELLATIONS comes in—a guiding light for youth aged 10-18 seeking connection and support. Imagine a sky full of stars, each representing a mentor eager to share their CMT journey. Through CONSTELLATIONS, we aim to connect young explorers with experienced age-matched guides, offering a constellation of support as they traverse their unique paths. Our goal? To illuminate the way forward and to foster a sense of community among those touched by CMT. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned traveler, CONSTELLATIONS invites you to join us in this cosmic journey of growth and empowerment. Ready to embark on this stellar adventure?

CMTA YOUTH ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/CMTAYouth.

CMTA YOUTH RESOURCES

Walk a Mile in My Braces is an amazing book brought to you by the Youth of CMTA. 75 youth who all experience Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) share their joys, their struggles, and the wisdom they have learned by walking through life with challenge. Prepare to be inspired by all that these young authors share with regards to their scars, lessons learned, and gifts received by rising to their challenge.

Purchase your copy of Walk a Mile in My Braces

Purchase your digital copy of Walk a Mile in My Braces

A Guide to Surviving College for CMTers written by CMTer and former college student Yohan Bouchard. The search for a college is not simple and it’s not made any easier by having a physical disability. However, there are many resources to keep you on the right track. Yohan provides hope and advice in this guide to help you succeed in a college environment.Walk a Mile in My Braces is an amazing book brought to you by the Youth of CMTA. 75 youth who all experience Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) share their joys, their struggles, and the wisdom they have learned by walking through life with challenge. Prepare to be inspired by all that these young authors share with regards to their scars, lessons learned, and gifts received by rising to their challenge.

Download your copy of A Guide to Surviving College for CMTers