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Camp Airways Gives Children with Asthma a Breath of Fresh Air
In a few more weeks, school will be out for the summer—leaving a countless number of children with nothing to do. However, children can find outlets through summer camps.
No child should be robbed of the opportunity to attend camp and join in activities. For this very reason, Baylor's Martha Foster Lung Care Center, formerly, the Baylor Asthma and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, established Camp Airways in 1998.
Camp Airways is a camp for only children with asthma that teaches about asthma control while allowing the children to have lots of fun.
"We realized our community had a need as asthma is one of the leading causes of disability in children," says Mary Hart, RRT AE-C, manager of Baylor University Medical Center.
Many children with asthma who attend other camps are not allowed to join in with sporting events or do things that might trigger an asthma attack. "People just don't understand that asthma is manageable and that kids with asthma can play baseball, basketball, track, swim, etc., just as well as others if their asthma is in good control," Hart affirmed.
Camp Airways will give children the opportunity to participate in either of the following: outdoor sports, water activities, gymnastics or group indoor games. The daytime camp is held about six times a year. Upcoming dates are slated for 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 13, July 11 and Aug. 1. Children with asthma ages 8-12 years are eligible to attend the free camp.
Camp goers will receive a T-shirt, fannie pack with a peak flow meter, diary and aerochamber donated by Monaghan Medical Corp. A core team of registered respiratory therapists who are certified asthma educators along with clinicians and adult volunteers will be on hand to assist the children. All campers will be placed on teams and will learn about asthma medication and devices, peak flow monitoring, asthma signs and symptoms and much more. The fun-filled day also will include snacks, a field trip and will end with a graduation ceremony.
"Our camp is sometimes the first experience many of these children have in learning about asthma and knowing what to do," Hart says. "It is a small step, but a worthwhile step in helping teach children the importance of managing their asthma."
