ALAV asthma camps are for children with asthma who cannot attend other camps due to a lack of medical supervision. At asthma camp, children can have fun, receive support from each other and manage their asthma at the same time. Each camp offers different activities such as arts and crafts, group games, asthma education and swimming.

Children participate in educational activities designed to help them better understand asthma, how an asthma episode can be triggered, how to handle an asthma episode and how their medication works. Camp staff includes professionals who volunteer their time such as physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and American Lung Association of Virginia staff. We ensure that the instructions of each physician are followed. Parents can feel at ease knowing that their children are receiving quality care. We offer a variety of camps at different locations. For a list of camp offerings visit the Consortium on Asthma Camps.

“As a physician who specializes in the treatment of asthma, every day I see children who have difficulty controlling this chronic illness. Asthma camps provide a great opportunity for children to learn how to manage their health. Not only do they learn specific skills necessary to control their asthma, they realize they are not alone and gain support from each other. Most importantly, asthma camp provides a way for them to develop these skills and have fun at the same time.” Stephen W. Shield, M.D., Virginia Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Asthma