After thoughtful deliberation, the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest has made the difficult decision to cancel our remaining Asthma Camp programs for 2009. The determination to cancel camps was made after reports of both confirmed and suspected cases of H1N1 from multiple summer camps around the country. Because of the unique population of our campers and the fact that they already suffer from compromised lung function, we believe this action is in their best interest. The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Please contact your local lung association with any questions or concerns you may have.

More than a century ago, the American Lung Association was founded to fight lung disease through research, education and advocacy. The American Lung Association of Illinois educates children, their parents and caregivers about the complexities of asthma and how to manage the often misunderstood and prevalent disease that is responsible for 12.8 million missed school days and more than 4,000 fatalities per year.

Our youth Asthma Camp is our longest standing asthma education program and has provided life saving education to more than 2,500 children since 1977. This year, as many as 250 children from across the state of Illinois, including Chicago, will attend our two Illinois camps.

While at camp, children safely enjoy a traditional weeklong, overnight camping experience among their peers. For those who cannot attend the weeklong camp, we hold a camp over a summer weekend. At both camps, children receive asthma education that explains what asthma is, why medications help, how to properly use medications, how to eat right and exercise safely, and how to avoid asthma triggers. Guest speakers present programs that motivate and ease children's anxiety about living with asthma.

Providing an outdoor camp for children who are usually restricted from such activities, requires careful planning and provisions to respond to unique medical, nutritional, environmental and emotional needs. Physicians, registered nurses and respiratory therapists volunteer their time to staff the camp and the clinic where children receive their daily medications and have access to medical care 24 hours a day.

NOT JUST A REGULAR CAMP
For over a quarter century, Asthma Adventure Camp has provided children with asthma an opportunity to experience camping activities they may otherwise be denied due to their condition. It was designed specifically for children with asthma. Through educational activities, campers learn to understand and manage their illness while improving their self-esteem.

our camps provide an opportunity for both the child and family to work collaboratively in addressing issues surrounding asthma management.

OBJECTIVES
Counselors and medical staff continue to reinforce the objectives of the American Lung Association Education Programs:

• To improve the physical condition and psychological outlook of the child with asthma.
• To educate the parent, child, and community about asthma and how to deal with it.
• To improve self-management skills.

TRAINED STAFF
Staff includes over 60 volunteers, including physicians, registered respiratory therapists, registered nurses and trained counselors.

MEDICAL STAFF
Asthma Adventure Camp is staffed 24 hours a day by physicians, registered nurses and registered respiratory therapist, in order to meet the special needs of the campers. Campers are evaluated by their assigned nurse a minimum of four times a day. In addition, their peak flow is monitored at least twice a day.

ACTIVITIES
Trained counselors, assisted by medical staff, supervise the children and encourage participation in a variety of activities, such as swimming, canoeing, nature hikes, field games and arts and crafts. In addition to traditional camping activities, children attend educational sessions, during which they learn asthma management techniques. Motivational/self-esteem guest speakers are also featured throughout the week.

CAMPER REQUIREMENTS
Anyone meeting specific medical, age and geographic requirements may attend Asthma Adventure Camp. Our program is designed exclusively for children who would not otherwise be able to attend an overnight camp because of their asthma.

CAMPERS MUST BE

• Diagnosed with asthma;
• Between the ages of 7 and 14;
• Child must be capable of walking. Our camp covers a large area and campers do a great deal of walking and hiking every day.

All applications to be mailed to the following:
American Lung Association of Illinois
Asthma Adventure Camp
3000 Kelly Lane
Springfield, IL 62711

Questions - Call 1/800-788-5864

Find an Asthma Camp Near You
Asthmacamps.org.