Camp for Children with Epilepsy to Open in August in Oregon

Children with epilepsy should be given all the help they can get so they can adjust socially and become more confident regardless of their disability.

This is the belief of a new camp established in Oregon specifically for children who have epilepsy. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest, the new camp is the first of its kind in Oregon. The same program has been in implementation in Washington State for the last 26 years, but this summer, Oregon will be a new host.

The camp is open and free for children with epilepsy aged seven to 16 years old. Their siblings can also attend, but they have to pay a small fee. The camp will be held at Camp Magruder in Rockaway Beach from Aug. 1-4.

It has been noted in various researches that children with epilepsy have lower confidence levels compared to other children their age level who do not have the disorder. They have the tendency to be more shy and uncertain when it comes to dealing with people outside their own families and often limited social circles.

According to its proponents, this camp for children with epilepsy will for all intents and purposes be like your typical summer camp for kids, only the staff are trained and equipped to care for children who have epilepsy. The children will be able to do the usual activities in a summer camp such as swimming, holding campfires, arts and crafts, hiking and the like, but a medical staff comprised of five to six people will always be on the standby and prepared to provide immediate treatment should a child suffer an epileptic attack.

Among the noted epilepsy triggers that the staff will prevent or watch against among the campers are sleep deprivation, over tiredness, bright or flashing lights, low blood sugar, and stress.

According to Dr. Lorie Hamiwka, associate professor of neurology at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, the differences between children with epilepsy and those without it are noticeable when they play together, and the child with the disorder sees and feels less confident. But when children with epilepsy get to interact with others who also have the disorder, they can find comfort in the fact that there are others who have similar experiences and together they can grow more confident in themselves and their abilities.