APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 15, 2024
BRIEF OVERVIEW
Camp Brainstorm Mission: To provide a safe, enjoyable, residential camping experience for children with a primary diagnosis of epilepsy, to build self-esteem by promoting self-confidence, competency, and social interaction, and to foster independence in a safe environment away from home.
Camp Brainstorm is a 5 day/4 night residential summer camp for children with epilepsy ages 8 to 17 held at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas. This year, Camp Brainstorm is June 17-June 21. Often children with epilepsy are denied the privilege of attending summer camp because of their epilepsy, but that is not the case at Camp Brainstorm. Camp is a place where children are able to try new things in an environment that is safe, encouraging, and supportive.
The support can be found through a group of talented individuals who volunteer their time and efforts to ensure your camper has the best week of the year. Our staff is fully trained in seizure first aid and camp safety. With a camper-to-staff ratio of 4:1, we pride ourselves on these dedicated individuals and their passion for the mission of Camp Brainstorm.
ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA
Any child with epilepsy and/or seizure disorder between the ages of 8 and 17 is eligible to apply to attend Camp Brainstorm. Camp Brainstorm is intended for physically abled children that are functioning at a developmentally appropriate level, and do not have severe physical and behavioral problems. The child must have a primary diagnosis of epilepsy and be on anti-seizure medications and/or physician-approved treatment therapy (i.e. Ketogenic diet, VNS, etc.) Any secondary diagnosis will be evaluated by our Camper Selection Committee.
Eligibility for selection to attend Camp Brainstorm is dependent on the completion of all forms, releases, and application(Part 1 & Part 2). All applications are reviewed and campers are selected by the Camper Selection Committee. Campers with completed and approved applications will be notified by either phone or email of the selection committee’s decision no later than May 31, 2024.
Should any information completed in this application be found to be falsified previous to and/or during the week of camp, the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas reserves the right to deny acceptance and/or send the camper home. (For example, but not limited to: excessive physical limitations, required care that does not reflect our staff ratio, behavior disturbances, etc.).
APPLICATION, DEADLINES AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
To apply to participate in Camp Brainstorm, the parent/legal guardian must complete all parts of the application by the stated due date:
Part 1: Online Application (complete on or before April 26, 2024)
Section 1 - Camper Information
Section 2 - Emergency Health Information
Section 3 - Health History
Section 4 - Camper Care Information
Section 5 - Camper Profile
Section 6 - Acknowledgement of Behavior Policy
Section 7 - Reference Forms (for 1st Time Campers Only)
Part 2: Printed Application (Print, Complete, Sign & Return by mail, fax or email on or before April 26, 2024)
Camp Brainstorm Consent Form
Camper Treatment Consent Form
Medication Administration Form
Physical Exam Form (Due by 5/6/2024)
Camp Aranzazu Release Form
Shot Record (Upload to the application or attach to Part 2) if COVID Vaccine is received include a copy of the vaccination card (vaccine not required for Camp Brainstorm)
Camp Physical Evaluation Form (Return by mail, email, or fax on or before May 6, 2024)
The Camp Brainstorm Physical Exam Form must be completed/signed by a physician.
Campers are encouraged to apply early. Your child WILL NOT be placed on the camper list until ALL of the requested documents are received.
Cell Phone Policy
Camp Brainstorm is a "screen-free" zone. A strict NO CELL PHONE POLICY will be enforced. If a camper is caught with a cell phone the phone will be confiscated and placed in a safe location; the phone will be returned at "parent pick-up" on the final day.
Transportation To and From Camp
Transportation TO AND FROM CAMP MUST BE PROVIDED BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS. Parents are required to DROP OFF their camper in Rockport on Monday and PICK UP their camper in Rockport on Friday.
If you have any questions or if you require assistance with the application contact the Camp Team at Camp@EFCST.org or by phone (210) 653-5353.
The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas provides equal opportunity to qualified persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, or national origin.