Abstracts

RATIONALE: Camps designed for children with epilepsy have been advocated as a means to promote social interactions and adaptive behaviors, however there is no uniform model even among Epilepsy Foundation (EFA) affiliates and other sponsoring organizations. We seek to understand the variability among camps in their design, goals, management of disabilities, staff to camper ratio, number of campers, opportunities for campers to advance in leadership roles, and the number of counselors with epilepsy. Future study may shed light on the most effective means to achieve social and behavioral goals.
METHODS: We identified 31 camps through EFA and other disability organizations. We telephoned camp directors or senior staff to ascertain models of care for children with epilepsy in 2001. We asked 38 specific open ended questions regarding the camp design, their goals, composition of campers and counselors, management details, budgets, programs, and benefit to campers.
RESULTS: Results from 31 camps for children with epilepsy demonstrated 4 primary designs: 1.) epilepsy only camps, 2.) children integrated into a regular camp, 3.) children attending with siblings or parents, 4.) children mixed with children with other disabilities and chronic health conditions. In this sample, 52% of camps were designed for children with epilepsy only, 19% had a few children with epilepsy integrated with many children without epilepsy, 19% children with epilepsy with family members (16% siblings and 3% parents) and 10% placed children with epilepsy with children having other chronic health conditions. 50% of camps had clearly defined goals to build self-esteem, independence and/or socialization. 25% of camps used developmental and chronological ages to organize bunks. 52% of camps offered opportunities for campers to advance into leadership roles such as counselors in training. Only 50% of camps had counselors with epilepsy on their staff. The staff to camper ratio varied between camps: 12% (2:1), 19% (1:1), 54% (1:2 or 3), 8% (1:4 or 5) and 4% (1:10). Also the number of campers varied between camps: 38% camps ([lt] 29 campers), 35% (30-49), 12% (50-69), and 15% ([gt]70).
CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability in the organizational structure and design of camps for children with epilepsy. Our previous research demonstrates a condition-specific camp for children with epilepsy can improve adaptive behaviors and increase socialization. Further analysis is necessary to evaluate which design and management factors are most relevant to promote a positive change. Greater consistency between camps may also be helpful to families and referring healthcare providers and for future research opportunities.