Asthma camp is organized and staffed by highly trained medical professionals to ensure the campers’ asthma is well managed during camp through taking their medication and removing or managing asthma triggers. Asthma camps allow campers to connect with other kids “just like them” and experience the outdoor activities in a medically-safe environment.

Researchers found that children who attended asthma camp were more likely to use their daily controller (preventative medication). In addition, children who attended asthma camp were 33% less likely to be hospitalized for asthma in the following year as a child with asthma who did not attend camp. Why? At asthma camp, campers learn about their chronic disease, signs and symptoms, how and when to take their medications, and how to participate in all activities even though they have asthma.

The long-term goal of asthma camps is to improve the overall well-being, quality of life, school achievement, and life opportunities for children with asthma by significantly improving their asthma management and control. Research has been conducted at several camps and demonstrates that the objectives of asthma camps are being fulfilled. Some findings include a(n):

1. Significant increase in the motivation of both children and parents to effectively manage asthma.
2. Significant increase in the children’s involvement in physical and recreational activities.
3. Significant increase in the children’s sense of self-confidence and self-esteem while reducing their social isolation or insecurity about their condition.
4. Increase in the children’s social skills.
5. Increase in the children’s ability to cope with behavioral problems that result from their asthma.