The 18th annual Camp Easy Breathers will offer asthmatic children ages 7-14 the opportunity to learn how to manage their asthma.
Held once again at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport (5420 Loop 1781) and sponsored by Driscoll Children’s Hospital, this year’s session runs June 10-14.
Camp Easy Breathers brings in health professionals to teach daily classes.
“A common past practice was to keep children with asthma from being active or involved in sports. Nowadays, we teach asthma management with the use of expert guidelines and modern medicine,” said Shelly Bigelow, Camp Director and Respiratory Therapist at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
“Proper education and management of the disease enables kids to participate in any sport or activity of their choice, keeping asthma at bay. That’s where the fun in asthma camp comes in.”
For 2019, plans are to use the new bayfront area at Camp Aranzazu for fishing, sailing and learning about local bays. Other fun activities will still be available, including swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery and an awards show.
The camp utilizes interactive teaching methods such as open dialogue, media, activities and game-play. All will reinforce key lessons to the children, such as:
- Understanding asthma and how it affects them;
- Recognizing and avoiding asthma attack triggers;
- Recognizing warning signs to improve asthma management;
- Knowing how and when to take medicine;
- Staying healthy and staying in school.
According to Bigelow, Camp Easy Breathers is a great opportunity for children to make new friends, become more independent and take on real challenges in a safe environment.
The cost of the camp is $325, which includes all meals, snacks and activities. Space is limited and scholarships are available.
For additional information, visit www.driscollchildrens.org/specialty/pulmonology/camp-easy-breathers.
