Evaluating a residential asthma camp program and ways to increase physical activity.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an educational asthma camp program emphasizing self-management skills. The camp's key program components were medical supervision, autonomy, peer support, and health education. Measurement of asthma knowledge gains and overall camp experience were reported. Children who attended the asthma camp increased the knowledge level of their condition. It has been well researched that asthma and obesity are related, and obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma. Thus, this camp program is in an ideal position to incorporate an effective physical activity module while continuing to provide an exceptional asthma education experience for children with asthma.