Asthma Camp Eagle (ACE) is a free day camp for children ages 7 to 12 years living with asthma and is designed to empower children and their families to better treat their asthma. ACE has been held annually by the Auburn University College of Nursing since July 2018. The camp in 2023 was held on July 24-26 at the Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, and is designed to be both fun and educational for the campers, helping them better understand their disease and how to live a happy, healthy life while managing asthma and its symptoms. Sponsored by multiple donors through Auburn University, Children’s Harbor, and community partners, the camp and its many activities are provided at no cost to the campers or their families.
This year, 34 campers from across Alabama participated and engaged in active learning experiences. Although designed primarily for children who have moderate to severe asthma, Camp Director Dr. Linda Gibson-Young emphasizes that this camp is open to all children, ages 7-12 with asthma, and provides opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of activities they may not otherwise experience. “Campers participated in multiple activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, as well as learned about their asthma and how to manage the condition,” said Gibson-Young. “During our education sessions, we focus on what asthma does to the body, what kind of medications are important to controlling asthma, and techniques our campers may use to address their triggers and symptoms. We help build and/or reinforce an asthma action plan for each camper and empower their families to understand and control their asthma.”
Nursing students have an active learning experience with opportunities to interact with daily medication delivery, peak flows, and education. Students from various disciplines also participated throughout the week. Nutrition students and dietetic interns connect daily nutrition, asthma, and exercise, while Child life and social work students work within the camper groups to build on child development and interactions.
“This year we had over 100 volunteers and campers participate in Asthma Camp Eagle. Graduate students from the Study Abroad Program from Taiwan also visited the camp to learn about it,” Gibson-Young added.
Gibson-Young said she wants to continue having ACE for area children every year, though she hopes community support will grow just as much as the number of campers wanting to participate.
“We want to build for greater success,” Gibson-Young said. “We are always looking for further involvement from the community and local businesses. If someone wanted to come in and volunteer their services with things like archery and other activities, we would welcome that.”
More information can be found on the College of Nursing’s website https://cws.auburn.edu/nursing/Home/Outreach#Camps including dates and applications for 2024.
