St. Mary’s Health is pleased to announce that it will once again sponsor Camp Nota-Gona-Wheeze, an asthma camp for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The free camp will host 50 students and will run Monday, March 27 through Thursday, March 31 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Delaware School in Evansville. Drop off time begins at 7:30 a.m.
According to the American Lung Association, asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders among children, affecting more than 7 million children across the country. It is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism and the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15.
Camp Nota-Gona-Wheeze, now in its 12th year, provides asthma education in a fun and interactive environment. Campers will learn to identify triggers for asthma attacks and tools to help avoid those triggers. They’ll also learn about their medications, how they work, and why it’s important to take them as prescribed by their doctors. In addition, campers will have the chance to share their asthma story and meet other children their age who are also coping with the condition.
Each day will have its own unique activity. On Wednesday morning there will be a “Caregivers Camp†educational session for parents and other caregivers of children with asthma.
Camp Nota-Gona-Wheeze is made possible through the collaboration of several community businesses and agencies, including the EVSC and USI. St. Mary’s Health funds the camp.
Camp counselors are nursing students and respiratory therapy students, who will all be under the supervision of a USI nursing instructor. A pediatric nurse practitioner, and volunteers from other area agencies will help make the week a success.
Due to limited availability, sign up is recommended on or before March 10. For more information on the camp, please call 812-435-8279.
