CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND CAMP; DEADLINE IS FRIDAY

All the fun of summer camp, from swimming and canoeing to horseback riding and nature study, will soon be offered children who because of their medical condition might not otherwise be able to enjoy traditional camping activities.

Camp Superkids is camp for boys and girls ages 8-13 who have asthma.

The camp, sponsored by the American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri and Southeast Missouri Hospital, will be held June 21 through 27 at YMCA of the Ozarks' Camp Lakewood near Potosi. Application deadline is May 15. Registration forms and additional information about the camp may be obtained by contacting area Lung Association offices or the American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri.

"Camp Superkids" features air-conditioned campers' quarters and presence of a full-time medical staff who are experienced in treating pediatric asthma. Because of campers' special needs, the health center is open 24-hours a day.

"The major emphasis at `Camp Superkids' is like that of any other summer camp fun," said Chris Berge, a respiratory therapist at Southeast who has worked with the camp project since its inception. "Our goal is to provide a wide range of activities such as swimming, sailing, fishing, horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts and nature study. `Camp Superkids' is not just the first exposure to summer camp for many youngsters for some, its the first time they've ever spent a night away from home. We want the week to be a super experience for them."

More than just fun and games, "Camp Superkids" also has a unique learning component. In daily sessions taught by the medical staff, campers learn about their asthma, proper techniques for taking medications and how to be more independent in their asthma care and management.

Asthma affects more than 3 million children in the U.S. It is the number one cause of missed school days and is the most common chronic medical problem affecting children under the age of 17.

The fee for each child is $200 for the week. The fee represents just a portion of the actual cost for a child to attend the camp; contributions from civic and professional organizations, businesses and individuals have helped offset some of the costs.

In addition, the Lung Association will make a limited number of full and partial grants available for children.

For more information, call 1-800-467-5864.