Kids Strike A Pose At Miami Children's Hospital Camp

MIAMI (CBS4) - Emma Alonso strikes a pose. She along with dozens of other children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis is taking part in yoga classes at Miami Children Hospital's Camp Funrise.

The week long sleep-away camp is exclusively for children suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

"Let's say I go on my scooter, I get so tired I have to rest for a while," 9-year-old Emma said.

At the camp, Alonso finds that yoga exercises can help relieve the pain of her swollen and inflamed joints.

The downward dog is a position that helps with flexibility and core strength. These exercises are also useful for adults with arthritis as well.

"It's a great warm up for them and yoga helps them to deal with pain management with to breathe. Breathing in an out through the nose is pain management we teach in the hospital," Krista Caballero from Miami Children's Hospital said.

"They teach me moves that I didn't know, so now I can relax in peace," Emma said.

Not only does the camp may help treat their physical pain, it also helps them meet kids going through the same condition

"I thought I was the only kid who had it but I came here and I was wrong," Emma said.

At Camp Funrise, Emma said she's made friends while taking strides in fighting her condition.

"I say to myself nothing is going to stop me I can do it," said Emma.

The week-long camp also recreational activities like visits to Miami Seaquarium, swimming with dolphins, and nature activities.  This camp is free for all campers and it is sponsored by MCH and the Florida Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Click Here for more information on Camp Funrise and the other free camps offered by Miami Children's Hospital.