Abstracts

Epilepsy camp provides an opportunity for children with seizures to develop independence and experience new activities in a safe environment. The stigma of epilepsy precipitates imposed physical limitations, and fear of seizures and potential injuries. Parents and healthcare providers may be overcautious, and hesitant to refer children to camp.
This retrospective study reviewed documented health room visits at a one-week overnight camp for children with epilepsy from 1999-2002. Health room services were provided for campers and camp staff. Camp census averages between 90-100 including 55-60 campers per year. Daily census fluctuates and is dependant on activities and volunteers for a given day. Health room visits were categorized according to the presenting chief complaint. Categories were ranked and averaged according to their frequency over the four year period.
There were a total of 160 health room visits over the four year period. Health room visits were categorized as seizures, minor injuries, and illness related. Headache ranked highest as the most frequent chief complaint (16.25% of visits), followed by seizures (14.4% of visits), cuts/abrasions (12.5% of visits), and insect bites and [apos]lumps and bumps [apos](each 11.25 % of visits). Care provided to camp staff (counselors, teamleaders, volunteers) accounted for 18.1% of health room visits. Miscellaneous infrequent complaints included nosebleed, stomache ailments, and mild URI[apos]s. No campers required emergency care or transport.
The unique needs of this population must be taken into consideration in planning a seizure management and health protocol for epilepsy camp. Health encounters at epilepsy camp are not unlike those experienced in traditional camp settings. Parents and caregivers should be reassured that a safe, healthy enviroment can be provided at camp. Nursing plays a pivotal role in accident prevention and seizure management.