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  • APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 1, 2026

    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 15-19, 2026.  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 can try new things in an environment that is safe, encouraging, and supportive.

    The support can be found through 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 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.) Our Camper Selection Committee will evaluate any secondary diagnosis.


    Eligibility for selection to attend Camp Brainstorm is dependent on the completion of all forms, releases, and applications (Part 1 & Part 2). All applications are reviewed, and the Camper Selection Committee selects campers. Campers with completed and approved applications will be notified by either phone or email of the selection committee’s decision no later than May 1, 2026.

     
    Should any information completed in this application be found to be falsified before 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 May 1, 2026) 

    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 May 1, 2026)
    Camp Brainstorm Consent Form
    Camper Treatment Consent Form
    Medication Administration Form
    Physical Exam Form 
    Camp Aranzazu Release Form
    Shot Record (Upload to the application or attach to Part 2) 

    The Physical Exam Form attached in Part 2 must be completed/signed by the physician treating your camper's epilepsy.  Sports physical exam forms will not be accepted.   


    Campers are encouraged to apply early.  Your child WILL NOT be placed on the camper list until all 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, TX on Monday at the assigned time and PICK UP their camper in Rockport, TX on Friday morning.  

    If you have any questions or 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.

  • I have read the eligibility and criteria information, including the cell phone policy and transportation updates.

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  • Camp Transportation

  • 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. 

  • Family Information

  • Father's Information

  • Emergency Contact Information 

    In the event we are unable to contact the parent/legal guardian in an emergency, we will contact the primary designated emergency contact listed below. If parents will be out of town during the week of camp, ensure the emergency contacts are available and within driving distance of Camp Aranzazu. 

  • Primary Emergency Contact

  • Secondary Emergency Contact

  • Neurologist

    Current Epilepsy Provider
  • Primary Care Physician/Pediatrician

  • Health Insurance

  • Health History

  • Does your child have a history of the following conditions:

  • Allergies/Immunizations

  • Immunization Record is required to attend Camp Brainstorm.  


    Campers must have had a Tetanus immunization within the last 10 years to attend Camp Brainstorm.  Please list the date of the last Tetanus below and attach the camper's current shot record.  The shot record may be uploaded or returned with a printed section of the application. 

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  • Seizure Summary

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  • Emotional Health

    Note: Camp Brainstorm is not staffed to care for children with severe emotional/behavioral problems or for children that require one on one care. 
  • About Your Camper

  • Camper Profile

    This section should be completed by the camper.
  • We would like to know a little bit about each camper before he/she gets to camp. Please have your camper answer the following questions; this information will be provided to their counselor.

  • Acknowledgment of Behavior Policy

  • Please review the following behavior policy with your camper.

    Camp Brainstorm Behavior & Safety Guidelines

    At Camp Brainstorm, we believe every child deserves a safe, joyful place to learn, grow, and belong. Our campers come to make friends, try new things, and feel confident being themselves. To make that possible, we share clear expectations and a supportive approach to behavior.
     
    Our Camp Values
    We encourage campers to:

    • Be kind and respectful 
    • Use safe hands and words
    • Listen to counselors and staff
    • Help make camp a welcoming place for everyone

     
    Most campers do wonderfully, and when challenges arise, our staff work with children in patient, positive ways.
     
    When Behavior Needs Support
    Sometimes campers need extra guidance. Examples include:
     
    Everyday Challenges (minor behaviors):

    • Teasing or name-calling 
    • Talking back or not following directions
    • Interrupting or disrupting activities

     
    More Serious Concerns:

    • Hitting, kicking, pushing, biting, or fighting
    • Bullying or threatening others
    • Throwing objects
    • Taking or damaging belongings
    • Any physical violence or unwanted physical contact

     
    Keeping Everyone Safe

    Camp Brainstorm is a place where every child should feel safe, respected, and protected. Because of this, we have a zero-tolerance policy for physical violence or unwanted physical contact.
     
    If a camper’s behavior puts others at risk, the Camp Director may determine that the camper must go home immediately. This decision is never taken lightly, but the safety and well-being of all campers and staff always come first.
     
    Our “3-Step Support” Approach
     When possible, we use a gentle, step-by-step process to help campers get back on track:
     
    Step 1: Gentle Reminder
     A counselor talks with the camper, explains expectations, and helps them refocus.
     
    Step 2: Parent Partnership
     If the behavior continues, the camper may take a short break from an activity, and a parent or guardian will be contacted so we can work together to support the child.
     
    Step 3: Going Home
     If the behavior continues or becomes more serious, the camper may need to go home. A parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the camper.
     
    In situations involving serious safety concerns, these steps may be skipped.

    If a Camper Needs to Go Home
     If a camper must be dismissed from camp, a
     parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the camper. If they cannot be reached within one hour, the emergency contact will be called. Campers must be picked up within six (6) hours at the family’s expense.

    Our Promise to Families
     We know that children are learning every day, how to manage emotions, build friendships, and navigate new experiences. Our team approaches behavior with empathy, respect, and care. At the same time, we are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of every camper and staff member.
     
    Thank you for trusting us with your child and for partnering with us to make Camp Brainstorm a place where everyone can feel safe, supported, and included.  

     

    Please sign below that you acknowledge and agree to the behavior policy. 
     

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  • Application Part 2

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  • Camp Brainstorm Application – You’re Almost Done! 🌟
     

     Thank you for completing Part 1 of the Camp Brainstorm application! You’re just one step away from finishing your camper’s application.  To be considered for Camp Brainstorm, we need both Part 1 (online application) and Part 2 (required forms).

     Part 2 – Required Forms
     
    Part 2 forms are required to complete your camper’s application. After submitting Part 1, you will be redirected to a page where you can download the Part 2 forms.

    You can also access Part 2 here:

    https://efcst.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Camp-Application-Part-2.pdf 

     Once completed, please email the Part 2 forms to Camp@EFCST.org. Please be sure all required initials and signatures are completed so we can review your application without delay.

      When Is My Application Complete?

     Your camper’s application is complete once both Part 1 and Part 2 have been received.

    Campers are placed in cabins on a first-come, first-served basis, as space allows within each age group. We’re unable to assign cabins until we have a complete application.

    If you have any questions, we’re happy to help! Call us at (210) 653-5353 or email Camp@EFCST.org. We can’t wait to welcome your camper to Camp Brainstorm! 💜 

  • Camper Reference Forms (For NEW campers only)

  • To learn more about your camper, we require one school reference and one personal reference. The reference form should take just a few minutes to complete and is available online. 

    A school reference could be a teacher, nurse, or principal. A personal reference could be a church leader, a leader of an extracurricular activity (sports coach, etc.), or a family friend.  Family members are not allowed to complete the reference forms.  

    References are required for 1st-time campers and are due by the application deadline of May 1, 2026. New campers will not be assigned to cabins until reference forms have bee received. 

    The reference form is available online at https://form.jotform.com/231996308222155. 

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