Epilepsy Foundation Sponsored Camps

Camp Firebird

Summer camp is a wonderful experience for every child. It is a unique experience where children learn to live cooperatively with others and have fun participating in outdoor activities. Camp Firebird is no exception in its importance to a child’s maturation process and feelings of self worth.  Our campers develop an appreciation for each individual’s differences, and the positive feeling of group accomplishment.  They are touched and encouraged by others with seizures and their attempts to live a full and active life with epilepsy.  In addition to enjoying typical camp activities, such as swimming and horseback riding, the campers and counselors participate in activities designed to improve their knowledge of seizures, the importance of medication, nutrition, and general epilepsy education. Many of the counselors and staff have epilepsy and are able to share their personal stories with others.  Camp Firebird encourages independence in managing seizures while building confidence and acceptance of epilepsy with caring and supportive staff and counselors.  We have a nurse on staff and a neurologist on call at all times.  Safety is our first concern. Children who are between the ages of 7 and 17 with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy are eligible to attend camp.

For more information contact Karen Brown at 614-315-0572 or kbrown@epilepsy-ohio.org

Camp Firebird - July 12th thru 16, 2010

• Camp Firebird - located at Recreation Unlimited 7700 Piper Road, Ashley, OH 43003
• Phone 740-548-7006 Fax: 740-747-2640 or 740-747-3139

Camp firebird is a week-long overnight camp for children and teenagers, ages 7-17 with a diagnosis of epilepsy. It's a wonderful opportunity for campers to experience the fun of camp activities such as crafts, swimming, boating, hiking, indoor/outdoor sports, along with learning about their epilepsy. All activities and experiences are designed to be accessible and adapted to camper's individual needs and abilities, all in a safe, medically monitored setting. The camp costs $100 for in service plus $35 application fee, and $225 out of service area plus a $35 application fee. Financial aid based upon availability. Please contact Karen Brown at 614-315-0572 or e-mail for more information.

Thoughts Behind Camp for Champs

Horses to a child can appear gigantic. Even a strapping adult may approach a thousand pound horse with trepidation, let alone a fifty pound, five year old. Yet, there is something special that occurs when horse and child meet. What is it? For the children who took part in Camp for Champs, they know, even if they do not have the words to describe it. They have the memories of overcoming personal fears and thrilling to the delights of sitting astride a horse, etched in their minds.

Belinda Harding also has these fond childhood memories as she grew up with horses. She and husband, Herndon, elected to share that special relationship between horse and rider through a camp for children with epilepsy and other disabilities. Belinda, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, and Herndon, a retired psychiatrist, offer a world of horses and green fields on the Rail Fence Farm located near Centerburg in Knox County. Here, campers not only participate in hippotherapy (occupational therapy on horseback) but are given the opportunity to take part in many crafts and activities that accentuate the farm atmosphere. Feeding Jack the goat is considered a favorite chore as is checking out the fence line while riding in the John Deer farm cart.

When Belinda was asked what made Camp for Champs so special for her, she replied that her feelings are best expressed by a quote from an article in the December 2006 issue of the American Quarter Horse Journal, “All it takes is one ride. One ride to make them laugh, to make them fly, one ride to give them freedom from their physical limitations.”

The Epilepsy Foundation will provide funding for nine children with camper selection based upon receipt of completed applications. Transportation to and from Rail Fence Farm is the responsibility of the camper’s parents.

If Camp for Champs sounds like a great opportunity for your child, please call Carol Johnson, at the Foundation’s office for information and registration forms.