Epilepsy can strike people of all ages and many children and teenagers are living with epilepsy. In fact, Florida has one of the highest incidences of childhood epilepsy of any state in the nation. For many families, an epilepsy diagnosis can be devastating and scary. While children with epilepsy may feel the stigma of their condition during day-to-day life, there is a place they can go once a year to get away from it all and "live it up" with others who experience the same physical and emotional effects of epilepsy: Camp Boggy Creek.
Held from Aug. 6-11, 2009, The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) offers full scholarships to Camp Boggy Creek which provides youth with epilepsy, ages 7-16, an opportunity to escape the stress of dealing with their medical conditions, try new activities, develop a sense of independence, and improve self-esteem. Campers participate in a variety of activities including boating, fishing, theater, horseback riding, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, singing, and dancing.
The camp's on-staff medical teams and volunteers, comprising medical, administration and therapeutic professionals, ensure the environment is physically safe and medically sound.
EFOF allows youth with epilepsy to attend, regardless of financial situation. Camp fees (and often transportation to and from camp) are paid for by the Foundation. Applications are still being expected for this summer's session, however space is limited.
"Camp Boggy Creek gives youth the chance to meet new friends, and share their challenges, while having a great time," said EFOF Director of Development Michael Barton. "While parents of children with epilepsy can be protective, many have found the camp to be a wonderful experience for their kids. Plus, with the current tough economic times, this is a great free service that EFOF offers."
Located in Eustis, Fla., Camp Boggy Creek is a permanent, year-round facility, on 232 acres of tall pines, majestic oaks and nature trails.
Those interested in enrolling their child or youth in Camp Boggy Creek should contact their local EFOF listed below, or visit
www.BoggyCreek.org or
www.epilepsyfla.org as soon as possible. Whether the application is processed directly through the camp or through the EFOF office, the Foundation will cover the costs of the camp.
Miami -- (305) 670-4949
Fort Lauderdale -- (954) 779-1509
West Palm Beach -- (561) 478-6515
Jacksonville -- (904) 731-3752
Gainesville -- (352) 378-4324
EFOF, established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizure disorders at the local, county and state level. EFOF provides valuable services, regardless of financial situation, to individuals and their families including advocacy; case management; information, referral, and support; medical services, neuropsychological services, prevention and education, individual and family counseling, research, development and fundraising, resource materials, support groups, and children's camp. For more information, visit
www.epilepsyfla.org or call 305-670-4949.