If you have a child with asthma, cystic fibrosis, or any other pulmonary disorder, the idea of sending your child to summer camp may seem daunting. The medications, medical equipment, and special care a child with a pulmonary disorder needs can make something as simple as summer camp an extremely stressful experience — but at Camp Pelican, everyone can take a breath.
No, really — Louisiana Lions-LPDCI-Camp Pelican (Camp Pelican) is heavily staffed with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, educators, and one-on-one counselors for children who require extra help. The entire staff is trained before each session, and the camper-to-staff ratio is approximately 1:1.
Camp Pelican is a week long, overnight summer camp program for children with pulmonary disorders ages five to fifteen years old. The program offers a wide variety of activities including swimming, sports, arts and crafts and many special events to entertain and educate these children.
Is your child ventilator-assisted? Has a tracheostomy? Uses a wheelchair? Has severe and/or chronic asthma? Your child has a home at Camp Pelican. With specialized equipment and heavily trained staff, your child can safely play in the pool on a hot summer day with other children, fly high on a swing for the first time, and make new life-long friends. Camp Pelican’s community events aren’t limited to one week each summer!
Throughout the year, campers and their families are invited to several Camp-related events such as family functions and annual picnics all at no cost. In fact, Camp Pelican itself is free! Louisiana Pulmonary Disease Camp Incorporated (LPDCI) is a non-profit organization and, in partnership with the Louisiana Lions, is proud to offer these activities at no cost to participants.
And as a former camp counselor at Camp Pelican myself, let me tell you — this is a beautiful, meaningful experience for everyone involved, but especially for your child. My mother-in-law, Cathy Allain, is the assistant director of Camp Pelican, and she runs a tight ship. She knows every single child by name, she knows their medical needs, and ensures every child knows how important they are. Her best friend, Father Tony Ricard, is camp director, and he ensures every child smiles in his presence — if you’re with Father Tony, there’s no way you aren’t dancing, singing, laughing, or all three! Together, they create a loving and safe environment so children with pulmonary disorders can experience the fun of summer camp just like any other kid!
Camp is in session May 28th – June 3rd, 2023. Go to www.camppelican.org to fill out your camper’s application today (or click here)!
Currently, counselor and staff positions are full for this year; however, Camp Pelican is still in need of lifeguards to volunteer! If you or someone you know is interested, please head to the website for more information or send an email to [email protected].
If you have any questions or would like to chat before filling out your child’s application, please go to the contact us page and reach out!
