Asthma Sports Day Camp accepting registrations

Applications for participants and volunteers for the 2007 Asthma Sports Day Camp are now being accepted, the American Lung Association of Hawai‘i announced in a release.

The camp is a two-day clinic in which children ages 5 to 12 participate in a variety of activities while learning how to cope with an asthmatic condition.

Sandy Higgins, Kaua‘i Island Program Coordinator for the Lung Association, said that her organization is looking for 40 volunteers to assist with the camp, which handles approximately 25 children each summer.

“We need volunteers in a number of specialties,” said Higgins. “We’re looking for medical specialists like physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists. We also need people to oversee the sporting events, to act as counselors and educators, and even to help with our registration and other logistical jobs. There’s plenty to do, but it’s worth the effort. It’s very enjoyable working with the young people and helping them gain confidence in their own ability to live with asthma,” she said.

At the camps, the children learn how to manage asthma while taking part in team sports and other recreational activities. During the two-day event, they play tennis, baseball, soccer and other sports, learn about Hawaiian culture and games, and participate in various arts and crafts. There will be lunches and other refreshments served throughout the day. Participants also receive a camp T-shirt, medal and a diploma for attending.

On Kaua‘i, the camp will be held on June 30 and July 1 at the Waimea Boys and Girls Club.

Children in grades K-6 with mild to severe asthma are encouraged to attend and may register for the camps at the Lung Association office.

Interested persons may call 245-4142. A registration fee of $25 per child pays for all activities, lunches, refreshments, and gifts. Financial assistance is available.

Deadline for registration is June 15, and space is limited.