Rutherford Regional Health System

The 14th Annual Camp Wheezknot will be held Aug. 17-19 at South Mountain Christian Camp. Theme for this year’s camp is “The Asthma Games.” 

“We thought with the popularity of ‘The Hunger Games’ we’d play on that for this year’s camp theme,” said Patti Brown, registered respiratory therapist and respiratory care practitioner in the Cardiopulmonary Services Department at Rutherford Regional Medical Center and organizer of Camp Wheezknot. 

Camp Wheezknot is an annual camp for children ages 7 to 12 who have asthma. Camp includes traditional camp activities as well as education on the condition from physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. 

“We will swim, fish and play games all while learning more about asthma,” Brown said. 

In keeping with the theme, campers this year will have the opportunity to take part in a BB shoot and also learn how to use bows and arrows, taught by the Piedmont Council of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Those who are older than 12 can still take part in all camp has to offer by becoming a junior counselor or adult volunteer, Brown said. Junior counselors should be between the ages of 13 and 18. 

“If you have a special talent or you’d like to volunteer, we’d love to have your help,” Brown added. 

Camp is offered at no cost, and funding for it is provided by the Rutherford Regional Health Foundation. DPR Fortis is also helping with this year’s camp by providing camp meals. 

“Rutherford Regional Health Foundation is pleased to provide funds for Camp Wheezknot,” said Jill Miracle, Foundation executive director. “Our individual and corporate contributors have the opportunity to take part in providing a safe and fun environment for our area children to have fun each summer.” 

Camp Wheezknot helps children with chronic diseases start the school year with healthy habits and good relationships with their asthma treatment team, Miracle continued. 

“It is gratifying to have a part in taking care of the health of children in our community,” she said. 

The registration deadline for camp is July 30; to register, call 828-286-5444. You will need to provide the camper’s name and age, telephone number and address. 

If you would like to provide financial support for Camp Wheezknot, contact the Rutherford Regional Health Foundation at 828-286-5070.