By Deron Hamel
Children living with epilepsy are once again invited to enjoy a true summertime outdoor experience this year at Summerfest Camp.
Summerfest Camp, which is held annually at Camp Couchiching, near Orillia, is a unique program geared to the needs of children living with seizure disorders.
Going into its 22nd year, Summerfest Camp has an average of 20 to 40 children and youths who have epilepsy attend the program. While at the camp, the children participate in activities such as swimming, hiking, kayaking and sports.
Summerfest Camp enables children aged six to 15 who are living with seizure disorders to attend camp with other children. The camp provides a setting where children can relax and have a good time.
“Summerfest Camp also gives children and youths living with epilepsy important life skills,” says Epilepsy Ontario executive director Paul Raymond. “They’re away from home for up to two weeks, so it helps them mature and it helps them gain independence and increase their self-esteem, and it helps them to realize their own capabilities and their own strengths.”
This year, the Summerfest Camp program will be offered in five sessions throughout summer:
Session 1: July 3-15
Session 2: July 17-29
Session 3: July 31-Aug. 12
Session 4: Aug. 14-26
Session 5: Aug. 28-Sept. 2 (one-week session)
Summerfest Camp, which was founded in 1994 by Anita Allen, a neurology clinic nurse at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), also provides respite to parents, giving them a chance to spend time with each other or with their other children.
Since the camp has experienced counsellors and offers on-site nursing professionals who are well-versed in working with people who have seizure disorders, parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are safe and in good hands.
To ensure as many children as possible can attend Summerfest Camp, Epilepsy Ontario provides a limited number of sponsorships for families who require financial assistance. The sponsorship request form can be found on the Epilepsy Ontario website.
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