Free Regional Summer Camp Helps Kids With Asthma

• by American Lung Association of the Midland States

LOUISVILLE, KY (05/13/2009)(readMedia)-- In a time of economic hardship for so many families, the American Lung Association of the Midland States has a great deal for parents and children struggling to deal with asthma. The association is offering a free week- long, medically staffed camp this summer just for kids who have asthma.

Camp Superkids will be held July 17-22, 2009 at the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, KY. It is open to children with asthma, ages 7 to 14 years old, who live in KY, TN, OH or MI, the four states that make up the Lung Association's Midland States region.

"This is an incredible value in so many ways," says Jennifer Hollifield, program director for the American Lung Association in Kentucky. "It's a chance for kids with asthma to enjoy all the fun and challenges of summer camp while they learn that asthma doesn't have to hold them back in any way."

The camp is fully staffed by respiratory therapists, doctors and nurses. It provides a variety of traditional summer camp activities including swimming, archery, canoeing and horseback riding. It also provides educational sessions on topics such as proper use of medication, asthma triggers, and how to handle a breathing emergency.

"We know that even though asthma cannot yet be cured, with the right information and medical care it can and should be controlled," said Hollifield. "Giving campers the tools they need to take control of asthma is a big part of this camp."

Camp Superkids is an American Lung Association program provided in partnership with Kosair Children's Hospital. It is made available at no cost to families due in part to funds raised through the American Lung Association's Asthma Walks held May and June in cities throughout the region. Those interested in taking part in an upcoming walk, or in making a walk donation to support the camp, can go to www.midlandlung.org.

Anyone looking for more information on the camp may go to www.centerforcourageouskids.org and follow the 'asthma camp' link. Or, just call the American Lung Association in Kentucky at 502-363-2652.

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The American Lung Association of the Midland States is a regional nonprofit health organization supported by public donations and a legion of dedicated volunteers. For more than a century, the American Lung Association has been fighting for air through education, advocacy and research. The American Lung Association's mission is to save lives by preventing lung disease and promoting lung health.