Free summer camp for children with asthma returns to Augusta University

Augusta University’s College of Allied Health Sciences will be hosting its first Asthma Day Camp in two years June 13-17.

The camp, which began in 2014 and is sponsored by the W.G. Raoul Foundation, is free for children with asthma ages 6-13. Each day will begin with an hour of asthma education as well as checking their breathing with a peak flow meter. Other activities include games, volleyball, hiking and swimming. Lifeguards, physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists will be on hand to ensure illness or injury does not interfere with the fun.

A parent or guardian must attend a brief orientation and education session on June 11.

“A lot of parents are hesitant to let their kids with asthma participate in sports or go outdoors or even play outside, so the camp is designed to teach children how to manage their asthma, and at the same time, have a regular camp experience,” said Kitty Hernlen, EdD, RRT and director of the Health Services Program.

Hernlen said she has received plenty of positive feedback from parents after the camps, with most telling her the children come home and tell them everything they learned that day. She said the education is the most important aspect with this camp, reassuring the children they will be OK with proper medicine and awareness of their condition.

“That also helps pass on to the parents who might not have a lot of asthma knowledge and may have questions,” she said. “The children learn how to manage their asthma and how to figure out what triggers their asthma. To know when an asthma attack is coming on, what to do and what medicines to take alleviate those fears and assess them.”

Hernlen said in the past they have had between 20 to 35 campers. There is transportation from AU to the Columbia County Girl Scout Camp at Camp Tanglewood as well as lunches and snacks.

The deadline to register is June 1. For more information or to register, email Hernlen or call 706-721-3554.