Nursing Duties ✨Asthma 🫁 Camp✨
Last weekend my Daughter and I had the privilege of attending ✨Asthma Camp✨This event was approximately 4.5hours long 8Am -12:30pm.
Camp Arnaz is a 33 acre camp site owned by the Girl Scouts here in SoCal. This facility has tons of entertainment for the girls scout members and they also open their doors to the public a few times a month. Camp Arnaz was kind enough to let my clinic host their very first ✨Asthma Camp ✨ My clinics nurse practitioner started this in hopes that her pulmonary patients and family members would come and learn more about their asthma diagnosis while also having new experiences and fun. Since this was the first time this was being done the turn out was a little low but fun was still had.
Here’s what we did followed by a little a little information on Asthma.
🫁 meet & greet w/ breakfast
🫁took a photo with Mator (a inspo car from the movie cars)
🫁learned about asthma as a group
🫁walked over to the horses
🫁 made “horse cookies,” which consisted of almond flour, molasses, fresh lavender, oats, pumpkin, flaxseed & wet barley/hay
🫁groomed the horses (brushing the bodies with a curry comb, hard brush then a soft brush;brushing the mane & tail; cleaning the hooves)
🫁riding the horses
🫁lunch break (chips, sandwiches, cheese sticks, fruit, water, juice)
🫁learning to use a slingshot & slinging them towards targets
🫁ax throwing (plastic axes)
🫁 archery for the adults. This was a first for me and it was so cool to lean something new 🤗
🫁 received a good bag with inspirational bracelets, a water bottle, a stress toy in the shape of a heart, asthmas information sheets, & Girl Scout cookies
Imagine your lungs are like tiny tubes for air. In asthma, these tubes can sometimes become slightly tight or swollen inside. This makes it harder for air to get in and out, which can create a wheezy or coughing sound.
• It's NOT contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It's NOT your fault. Your tubes are just extra sensitive.
Everyone's asthma responds to things differently! Some common causes are:
• Allergens: Like tiny dust bugs, pet fur, or pollen from plants.
• irritants: Like smoke (from cigarettes or campfires) or strong smells.
• Exercise: Running fast or playing hard.
• Weather: Cold or dry air.
• Colds/Flu: Getting sick can make asthma worse.
When your tubes get squeezed, your body sends you signals called symptoms. If you feel any of these, tell a grown-up right away!
• Coughing: A cough that won't go away, especially at night.
• Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe out.
• Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can't get enough air.
• Chest tightness: A feeling of pressure or a squeeze in your chest.
After our incredible day at the Asthma Camp, I couldn't stop thinking about what a special place Camp Arnaz truly is. Tucked away in beautiful Southern California, this 33-acre site, originally a haven for Girl Scouts, truly opens its arms to the public, offering so many unique experiences beyond just the one we attended. If you're like me and were curious about Camp Arnaz after hearing about our adventure, let me tell you a bit more about this hidden gem. It's not just a typical campground; it’s a vibrant outdoor education and recreation center. While it serves thousands of Girl Scouts, they thoughtfully host public events a few times a month, making these fantastic facilities accessible to everyone. From what I’ve seen, an outdoor view of the main building hints at the blend of rustic charm and functional spaces they offer. It truly feels like a place where every visit can start with a welcoming 'WELCOME TO CAMP ARNAZ!' vibe, whether you're there for a special camp or a public day. Finding out about their public offerings might take a little digging, but it's well worth it. I'd recommend keeping an eye on their official website or local community event listings. They seem to host everything from nature walks to family fun days, much like the diverse activities we enjoyed. Imagine experiencing similar thrills like learning archery, trying your hand at slingshots, or even grooming and riding horses, just as we did. These aren't your everyday activities, and Camp Arnaz provides a safe and engaging environment for them. What really struck me was the sheer variety of things to do. It’s a perfect spot for families looking to unplug and connect with nature. My daughter and I loved the hands-on animal encounters, like making those horse cookies – who knew you could combine almond flour, molasses, and lavender for a horse treat? It just shows the creative and enriching programs they put together. Beyond the fun, there’s often an educational component, whether it’s about animal care or, in our case, understanding asthma in a supportive setting. For anyone considering a visit, my advice would be to go for it! Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers for changing weather, and most importantly, come with an open mind ready for adventure. Whether you're participating in a specialized camp or just enjoying a public open day, Camp Arnaz offers a fantastic escape from the everyday. It's a place where memories are made, new skills are learned, and you truly get to appreciate the beauty of SoCal’s outdoors. It’s clear that the staff and volunteers put a lot of heart into making every visitor feel welcome and ensuring a memorable experience. So, if you ever see an event pop up, don't hesitate to sign up – you might just discover your next favorite outdoor activity!
Asthma camp? Wow! This is my first time hearing about some thing like this! I like the mixture of info on this post, great job!