Camp Wheeze Away Combines Fun and Asthma Education

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Rambo Memorial Health Center’s two-day asthma camp, known as Camp Wheeze Away, kicked off today, welcoming young campers for a mix of fun and education.

The first day of camp took place at Wolfie’s Campground, where kids enjoyed a wide range of activities designed to engage and inform.

“As you can see behind me, we have lots of kids in the swimming pool. That was the big hit this year. We play games that teach the kids things about their respiratory disease. They don’t even realize they’re learning, they just think they’re playing games,” said Shannon Bell, executive director of Camp Wheeze Away.

Today’s events included yoga, swimming and even gem mining, all creative ways to help kids stay active and involved. But the focus wasn’t just on fun; education was a major part of the experience.

“So, Rambo Memorial Health Center has had an asthma camp for probably close to 20 years. The idea behind it is to teach kids how to treat their asthma, to know the warning signs and here at our camp you get to bring a friend with you so your friend also learns some of those warning signs, you are more apt to come to camp and your friend also learns how to maybe call for help if you need help,” Bell said.

With temperatures soaring into the 90s this week, camp staff made sure safety remained a top priority, reminding kids to pretreat with their inhalers, keeping them hydrated and showing them that asthma doesn’t have to hold them back. At Camp Wheeze Away, every child is encouraged to participate fully, just like any other kid.