Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association works to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Asthma is the leading serious chronic childhood illness. The American Lung Association in 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.

While at camp, children safely enjoy a traditional weeklong, overnight camping experience among their peers. At camp 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.