Camp WIKIDAS

Camp WIKIDAS (Camp in Wisconsin for Kids with Asthma) provides an opportunity for children with chronic asthma to spend a week at a special camp setting, along with other children of similar ages who also have chronic asthma. They participate in daily camping activities, including swimming, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor skills to name a few. They also attend daily small group teaching sessions led by the supportive and knowledgeable volunteer medical staff. The purpose of the camp experience is to improve self confidence and well-being of children with asthma, instruct them about asthma and how they can improve their ability to cope with the disease, and also promote physical conditioning by participation in activities with other children with asthma. Sending a child to Camp WIKIDAS also provides a short respite time for the family and parents.

Camp WIKIDAS was started in 1982, with only 30 children. We have grown to accommodate 90 children for the week long camp session. Camp WIKIDAS is available to children with chronic asthma between the ages of 8 and 13, who take daily asthma medication. Camp is held at Camp Wawbeek, which is owned by Easter Seals Wisconsin. It is a modern, well equipped camp situated on 400 wooded acres, just north of Wisconsin Dells. Camp is typically held the 3rd week of June each year.

We also continue to actively recruit medical staff, including allergists, nurses, respiratory therapists and pharmacists. The feedback from our medical staff has been uniformly positive, with all finding this a very positive and rewarding experience in personal and professional growth.

Further information for campers or prospective medical staff can be found at:

www.lungusa.org/wisconsin

For a listing of all state camps for children with asthma, visit:

www.asthmacamps.org/asthmacamps

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