CHILDREN with asthma are learning that they too can get involved in physical activities at a breakaway camp this week. The 12 young sufferers, aged eight to 12, are taking part in a number of activities including abseiling, swimming, canoeing and archery as well as learning about how to control their disease.

Children’s community nurse Elizabeth Bell said that the three-day camp at the Scout and Guide activity centre at Rue Maingy provided the children with a chance to make friends and learn not to fear their illness.

‘Often children with asthma can feel very isolated because they wheeze and cough a lot. This is an opportunity to build their confidence and to encourage them to take their medication as prescribed and to have a go at anything,’ she said.

The three days started with an educational session on medication and how to control the symptoms of the disease.

‘The rest of the time is about physical activities with a mixture of difficulties. There was an asthma camp about 14 years ago, but it wasn’t until I read in a medical journal about them in the UK that I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do something here. It’s about fun while getting the educational aspect across,’ said Mrs Bell.

Shawny Luscombe, 12, said that the camp was providing her with a lot of encouragement about participating in more physical activities in the future.

‘I’m having a really good time and learning that I can take part in climbing the wall and I can get better and better at it. I’ve also learnt about what affects my asthma and how to control it – we talked about how allergies trigger attacks,’ she said.

Callum Eborall, 9, said that he was having an amazing time taking part in all the activities.

‘I’m really looking forward to the rest of the week and I’m making some new friends which is great. It’s been great fun climbing the wall today,’ he said.