Two essential components for a safe and enriching camping experience for the child or young adult with epilepsy are: an informed camp staff and an excellent communication network which involves the staff, the child's parents, the physician and other campers.
The child whose seizures are well controlled usually is able to benefit from regular camping activities, without special limitations. However, there are certain guidelines, which must be kept in mind:
Swimming should be carefully supervised. No child with epilepsy should swim alone.
- Life vests should be worn when the child is participating in sailing, canoeing or other water sports.
- If rappelling is a camp activity, the child should be securely tied on the safety rope and wear head protection.
- If the child participates in horseback riding programs, the temperament of the horse and its typical response to the unexpected should be taken into account. The child should wear protective headgear.
- If a child's seizures are triggered by a reaction to flashing light, polarized sunglasses should be worn when there is substantial reflection of sunlight (e.g. on water, through trees when hiking or riding, etc.).
- Camp counsellors should be provided with the following information:
- type of seizures child experiences
- length of seizures
- amount of rest required after seizure
- first aid requirements
- conditions or events that trigger seizures
- medication taken
- side effects of medication (emotional and or behavioural)
- how often medication's taken
- who administers medication while child's at camp
- whether there is an aura or any other physical conditions
- does child have an understanding of epilepsy and its treatment
- When additional supervision of the child with epilepsy is necessary, it is important that it be as unobtrusive as possible. In an overprotective environment, the child may feel 'singled out' or different from other campers.
A successful camping experience offers a child with a seizure disorder a chance for new independence and social development without compromising a safe environment.