Assessing the Value of Children's Asthma Camps

Abstract

The Consortium of Children's Asthma Camps Directors commissioned a study to determine the value of asthma camps. This study aimed to identify the opportunities and the Consortium's role in this future direction. A multi-method, retrospective study was conducted with the following findings: camper demographics; camps provide a unique experience; there is moderate to high level of published evidence regarding children's asthma camps; camps are managed by organizations with extensive experience and by minimal paid staff; and the components of asthma education are fairly consistent across camps, while the duration of education, curricula used, and use of asthma action plans are not.

Keywords:

• asthma
• camps
• children
• education
• evaluation

Notes

¹These 26 articles include one national presentation and one nationally presented poster session.

²Form 1040, line 36, is the proof required by the American Diabetes Association. Personal communication with American Diabetes Association Camp Program Director, March 2005.

³Recommendation by the American Camping Association. Personal communication, March 2005.