Full Summer Camp Scholarships Available to Kids with Asthma

The American Lung Association’s Champ Camp for Kids with Asthma is now accepting applications for its summer camp 2014 and scholarships are available.  

The camp will be held at Camp Chingachgook, on Lake George in Kattskill Bay, New York, from Sunday, August 17 through Friday, August 22. At CCKA, children ages 8-11 with moderate to severe asthma can experience the excitement and fun of a five-day, co-ed summer camp in a safe, medically-supervised environment. 

"Having asthma inhibits a lot of kids from being able to attend camp,” stated Michael Bissonette, RRT, respiratory therapist at Fletcher Allen Healthcare and lead CCKA respiratory therapist.  “During the week the kids are taught how to manage their asthma at home. Seeing what a great opportunity and success Champ Camp is for these campers keeps me going back every year!" 

“Over the last 15 years, pediatric disease specific summer camps have emerged as a means to increase knowledge, problem-solving, social and self-competence leading to improved attitudes among children about their chronic illnesses,” stated Luis Rodriquez, MD, member of the American Lung Association’s leadership board in New York City.  “Children who have participated in asthma summer camps have shown improvement in confidence to adhere to their medication regimens. The kids can enjoy all the benefits of summer camp while engaging in all the fun activities and, at the same time, learn how to take control of their asthma, and manage their symptoms.Our mission at the Lung Association is to save lives by preventing lung disease and improving lung health,” stated Jeff Seyler, President & CEO. 

Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, each camper will receive a full scholarship to attend camp. For more information, or for an application packet, contact Ronald Douglass at (802) 876-6860 or toll-free at 1-800-LUNG-USA, Option 1, Ext. 6860.  Information and the application materials are also available at www.lungne.org/programs.