The American Lung Association in West Virginia, United Hospital Center, and The Health Plan are now accepting applications for Camp Catch Your Breath. Designed for children with asthma, the camp will be held July 19-24, at Jackson’s Mill Conference Center in Weston.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Camp Catch Your Breath is specifically for children between the age of 8 and 13 who have asthma. According to Sonny Hoskinson, camp director (UHC), Camp Catch Your Breath combines traditional summer camp activities like crafts and swimming with an exciting asthma education curriculum. In addition, extra evening activities such as a no-fire campfire, pool parties, and field trips make camp a fun-filled experience for all involved.
“During the session the kids are able to have fun and learn in an environment that is sensitive to their condition. They can share their experiences, express their feelings about living with asthma and make decisions about their conditions,” he said. “Thanks to sponsoring hospitals, we can provide a summer camping experience for children who, because of their asthma, might not otherwise get to go to summer camp.”
“Camp Catch Your Breath” will be staffed by a physician, several registered nurses, a pharmacist, activities directors, respiratory therapists and junior counselors (all junior counselors are camp graduates).
“The medical staff is very important to camp,” says Chantal Centofanti-Fields, camp program director. “They are able to spend one-on-one time with the children, teaching proper peak-flow measurement and inhaler techniques. This is the type of unique asthma-management training that children often do not receive in busy doctors’ offices and hospital settings.”
The camp begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, and will end with a family picnic and awards ceremony at 12 noon, Friday, July 24. The registration fee for Asthma Camp is $70. A limited number of scholarships are available for those who may need it. For more information about “Camp Catch Your Breath” or to receive a registration packet contact the American Lung Association in West Virginia at 304-342-6600 or Sonny Hoskinson at United Hospital Center at 681-342-1560.
Camp Catch Your Breath is sponsored by United Hospital Center, the American Lung Association in West Virginia, The Health Plan, Charleston Area Medical Center, Sistersville General Hospital, and Ohio Valley Medical Center.