Spotlight on Camp Candlelight, Seizure First Aid, Awareness, and Advocacy in Arizona

Since 1973, the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona (EFAZ) has served people living with epilepsy and their families in the Grandy Canyon State. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 77,000 people with epilepsy, including 11,200 children, live in Arizona. EFAZ provides a variety of programs, services, and trainings throughout the state to serve this population. 

Camp Candlelight at Camp Sky-y

 

Since 2000, Camp Candlelight has brought together kids living with epilepsy for a week of fun, exploration, and connection. Campers participate in activities such as:

• Themed days (purple day, neon day, superhero day, etc.)
• Canoeing
• Horseback riding
• Dance with a live DJ
• Archery
• Arts and Crafts
• Field Sports
• And so much more!

Last year, 49 campers enjoyed their week at Camp Candlelight. Participants hear about the camp through a variety of ways, including their doctors and on EFAZ’s digital channels and events. 

“Many children with epilepsy often feel very isolated and stigmatized by others. Camp Candlelight offers them an extraordinary place where they can just be kids. They’re able to make lasting friendships, experience new things, and know they are not alone,” Min Skivington, Marketing & Outreach Manager, Epilepsy Foundation Arizona.

Attending Camp Candlelight costs $550 and includes meals and activities. Approximately 60% of campers still require full or partial scholarships. It is EFAZ’s policy to never turn away a camper based on financial need.

Safety a Priority at Camp Candlelight

All counselors, volunteers, and medical staff receive seizure first aid training before the camp begins. Campers also all receive a 1-hour Doc Talk where they are provided a more intimate opportunity to have an open discussion with a pediatric epileptologist or neurologist and a nurse to ask questions and talk about epilepsy.

Camp Candlelight also has 2-3 nurses on site 24/7 and at least one epileptologist or neurologist available 24/7. 

More Success in Arizona

 

• In the past year, EFAZ has provided 22 seizure first aid trainings to 375 people. The trainings have been provided to schools, offices throughout the state, at the Arizona State Capitol, and Camp Candlelight.
• The first epilepsy awareness game of the year was with the Arizona Coyotes in February. Thank you, Arizona Coyotes, for your support!
• The 2020 Arizona Walk to END EPILEPSY^® included over 1,000 walkers. EFAZ surpassed their fundraising goal of $86,000 by raising over $100,000. 
• Arizona epilepsy advocate Brandon Berry has done amazing work in getting Arizona’s Seizure Safe Bill (SB 1146) introduced, supported and closer than ever to passing in the state.