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Camps for Kids
April 16, 2008 3:00 PM
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It's that time of year. No matter where you are in the province, whether you're looking at cherry blossoms or melting snow, birds coming back or crocuses blooming, it is undeniably Spring. Thank goodness, right? That means that it's also time for us to start thinking about summer camps, and all the opportunities that are available for kids with epilepsy. These days, there are quite a lot, and they are definitely worth looking into.
Last summer, after I spoke to the kids who had just come back from Zajac Ranch, it was obvious that they'd all had a great time, and that the experiences and acceptance they had enjoyed in that short week would stick with them for months. With those testimonials in mind, it was no surprise for me to read this article from the Associated Press on the rise in camps for kids with chronic conditions, and the great results being seen by facilitators and parents. As the article states, kids benefit from participating in sports and activities that are tailored to their safety needs, and they also get to normalize their condition a bit by meeting other kids who also have seizures, and can relate in a way that no one else can. I especially loved the quote by one little camper saying
'"You get to learn about each other, how you're not different from
everyone," he says. Plus, "It was kind of special because not just
anybody can go there."'
It's not that we want to encourage elitism, but it's nice to hear that kind of pride for a change. I'm interested to see that studies are actually being done on the psychological and behavioural improvements enjoyed by kids who attend camps, since it can take more than anecdotal evidence to gain the funding and resources needed to make these experiences available to more and more kids. In the meantime, the BC Epilepsy Society is happy to offer kids the chance to attend camps around the province, and experience those good times for themselves.
First off, there are the Easter Seals Camps. This will be the first year that we have had an official relationship with this group, and we are thrilled to be involved. Last summer, Elvira, Shawn and I visited their Squamish camp, and with all the ropes courses, organized games, and involved staff, we didn't want to leave. The Easter Seals have camps in Squamish, Winfield, and Shawnigan Lake, so they are accessible from many parts of the province. They schedule week by week all summer based on various guidelines of age and ability, so if you would like guidance regarding the appropriate pick for your child, give us a call, and we will put you in touch. Camp attendance is free on a first come, first serve basis. The applications have been available since the beginning of April, so if you would like to apply, please visit their website, and download a registration form. The BC Epilepsy Society will be offering travel subsidies for camp attendance, so please contact us for more information.
The Zajac Ranch is another great spot for kids with epilepsy. Each summer, they schedule one specific week for kids with seizures, and this year, that will be from July 14th to the 20th. Their camp is in Mission, and it's also full to the brim of great activities and events that would rival any summer camp in the country. In collaboration with the Zajac Ranch, the BC Epilepsy Society is happy to offer subsidies to offset the cost of registration. If you are interested in the camp, please visit their website for more information, and a registration form. To be eligible for our subsidy, please send completed applications to our office, at #510-999 West Broadway, Vancouver, V5Z 1K5. They will be due in no later than 6 weeks before the camp date.
As if these camps weren't enough, through our great relationship with the Epilepsy Foundation Northwest in Washington and Oregon, we have been working out the possibilities of sending some kids down to their great Camp Discovery just outside of Tacoma. Stay tuned for those details! In the meantime, enjoy this warmer weather, think about camps for kids, and get outside, no matter how old you are!
Posted by Kathryn Sykes at April 16, 2008 3:00 PM
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