Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona

Camp Candlelight

Camper Experience

As far as right-of-passage activities for children go, summer camp is right up there with pimples and prom. Allowing young people the opportunity to build camaraderie amongst the others within their cabin and the sense of pride and self-esteem these children receive from completing challenges are just some of the activities that make summer camp such a remarkable time for youngsters.DSC02227

Camp Candlelight provides children ages eight to fifteen with a unique camping experience that combines traditional camp activities with specialized sessions that teach the campers about their seizures and gives them valuable tips in dealing with the challenges seizures may present. The children also enjoy meeting other children who share similar experiences.

Campers experience exciting outdoor educational activities including arts and crafts, archery, campfires, horseback riding, a climbing tower and overnight camp-outs. Although the activities are exciting, Camp Candlelight is also intended as an education experience. Campers are taught about seizures, medication and socialization. By providing a forum for campers to discuss their feelings about seizures, myths and concerns can be addressed head on. Children who attend camp often go home more confident and prepared to handle the everyday issues facing them as a child with epilepsy.

Camp Candlelight staff includes a neurologist, several nurses, a school psychologist, activities staff and counselors, all with special training in how to recognize and respond appropriately to seizures. The security of having specially-trained medical personnel available provides a safe environment in which campers can enjoy a variety of socialization activities that promote self-confidence, cooperation, respect for others, maturity and an appreciation of their own abilities.

To be eligible for Camp Candlelight, a child must:
  • Have a primary diagnosis of epilepsy
  • Be ages 8 through 15 during the week of June 13th – 19th, 2010
  • Be able to feed, bathe, dress and toilet without assistance
  • Work well in small groups
If your child meets these eligibility requirements, we welcome you to complete an application for admission to Camp Candlelight.  Applications are available by contacting the office, or clicking here.

Staff Experience

Camp Candlelight could not be the experience of a camper's lifetime, without the help of our Staff members, Counselors, Counselors-in-Training, Nurses and other volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering at camp candlelight, download and complete the staff application below.  Counselors and staff members must be 18 years of age and older.  A limited number of Counselor-in-Training positions exist for those volunteers age 16 and 17 who are interested.

Returning Staff Application - Click Here
New Staff Application - Click Here

Please Return Completed Camper and Staff Applications to:
Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona
Camp Candlelight Committee
240 W. Thomas Road, 2nd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85013
or EFAZ@chw.edu
or Fax (602) 406-6147

For more information, contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona offices at (602) 406-3581 or email at efaz@chw.edu.