Aug. 26 marked the fourth anniversary of Naval Hospital Oak Harbor’s Pediatric “Asthma Camp.” During the four-hour event, three healthcare providers and five support staff collaborated to provide an innovative, hands-on learning experience for 18 pediatric asthma patients and their parents.

The camp began with a spirited interactive CD-ROM video navigated by Licensed Vocation Nurse Kathryn Cabigting and narrated by popular celebrities such as Cuba Gooding Jr. and news correspondent Diane Sawyer. Camp participants, ages 3-12, journeyed through a maze of bronchioles, alveoli and other lung structures. Along the way, they battled “asthma villains” such as smoke and a variety of allergens.  This vivid visual landscape helped campers grasp the concepts of effective asthma management.

Additional activities included Asthma Jeopardy, Bronchial Binoculars and Lungo Bingo. In Asthma Jeopardy, the 7-12 year olds demonstrated their knowledge of asthma medications, asthma action plans including symptom recognition and asthma triggers. In Bronchial Binoculars, participants, the 3-6 age children created normal versus abnormal bronchioles. Both groups joined in to play Lungo Bingo, a game to help them recognize symptoms associated with their asthma.

After a one-on-one visit with the healthcare provider, the kids competed in the “make your own mucous” contest. Using a dubious mixture of corn starch, food coloring and water, campers experimented with the concept of “mucous production.”

An abundance of smiles and laughter as patients and their families engaged in the campís fun and non-threatening learning environment confirmed they had a better understanding about how to reduce a crisis-oriented approach to asthma care and be active participants in managing this chronic illness.