Contact Program Contact Lynda Narwold Camp Registration (765) 455-9308 Media Contact Anne-Marie Damler OCM (765) 455-9468 adamler@iuk.edu Mary Ellen Stephenson OCM (765) 455-9414 mestephe@iuk.edu

Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze, KIDDS Kamp mark 10 years

KOKOMO, Ind.—Dodge ball, golf, kite flying, and a contest to launch a marshmallow the farthest are some of the fun activities offered June 12–16 during Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze and KIDDS (Kids with Insulin Dependent Diabetes) Kamp at Kokomo’s Jackson Morrow Park.

Running 9 a.m.–3 p.m., the camps are designed to help north central Indiana youngsters learn to live with asthma and diabetes. Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing faculty and students have coordinated the camps for 10 years.

Campers ages 6–13 take part in arts, crafts, and sports, as well as educational programs that cover medication, diet, and exercise appropriate to the children's conditions. Both camps offer tips on coping emotionally with a chronic condition. Area physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists provide medical supervision.

A highlight of this year’s camp will be a visit by the Clarian Health Lifeline Helicopter on the morning of June 15. Campers and their families will get a chance to look at the emergency helicopter up close and to talk with its medical and flight crew.

A $20 fee is asked per camper. Financial assistance is available, according to Lynda Narwold, associate professor of nursing and director of the camps. Donations from area businesses and individuals cover much of the camps’ expenses.

Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze was started in memory of Thomas Bly, who died from an asthma attack. The Thomas Bly Foundation supports education for area children with asthma and has been a major contributor to Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze.

“Without the foundation's funding, we would not have the camp,” said camp director Lynda Narwold. Other sponsors for both Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze and KIDDS Kamp include Kokomo Parks and Recreation Department; St. Vincent Health St. Joseph Hospital; Howard Regional Health System; Sepracor; and Allen and Hansburys, Division of Glaxo, Inc.

To request a camp registration form or to learn more about The Thomas Bly Foundation, contact Narwold at (765) 455-9308.