LOVELAND, Colo. – The McKee Medical Center Foundation recently donated $8,000 to send 10 kids with asthma in Northern Colorado to attend Champ Camp, June 25-July 1, in Red Feather Lakes.

Champ Camp is Colorado’s only asthma management summer camp sponsored by the American Lung Association. Designed for kids with asthma ages 7-14, Champ Camp helps kids gain confidence in themselves and their ability to take control of their asthma while enjoying activities like canoeing, hiking and rock climbing. 

According to PediatricAsthma.org, asthma is the most common chronic condition among kids under the age of 18, affecting 6.3 million. Even when asthma symptoms are not severe enough to require urgent care, they can interfere with a kid’s ability to sleep, play and participate at school.

“What’s so great about this Champ Camp is it’s an actual summer camp for kids,” said Derek Strader, regional director for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services for Banner Health in Northern Colorado and an American Lung Association board member. “In addition to making new friends and participating in typical summer camp activities, kids are provided with tools and resources from health care volunteers and medical staff members educating them on their asthma/respiratory conditions, symptoms, how to properly use medications and ways to avoid an attack.” 

Volunteers, including medical staff, are on site 24 hours a day for the entire camp to ensure safety and a great experience. Since 1979, Champ Camp has impacted thousands of lives, saved many lives of children with severe asthma and taught them how to become leaders within their communities and to efficiently and effectively manage their asthma.

For more information, contact Derek Strader at 970-810-3353.

The McKee Medical Center Foundation was established in April 1981, as a permanent charitable development and trust fund set up to raise monies and establish long-term development activities that will produce funds for the sole benefit and relief of McKee Medical Center, Loveland, Colorado. The Foundation has contributed more than $23 million worth of equipment, materials and program support to McKee since 1982, including five major capital campaigns: Loveland Community Health Center, in partnership with Sunrise Community Health (2014), Stepping Stones Adult Day Program (2014), Cancer Center (2002), McKee Conference and Wellness Center (1990), and a hospital addition (1982).