Camp Programs
Camp Oz: June 14-19, 2020
The Epilepsy Foundation’s Camp Programs provide safe, educational, and fun camping experiences for children and teens with epilepsy. With on-site medical staff and counselors trained in seizure first aid, campers and their parents can rest assured they will be safe and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Camp Oz
Founded in 1982, Camp Oz is a traditional summer camp that provides a safe and fun camping experience for youth ages 9–17 with epilepsy. Siblings of children with epilepsy are also welcome to attend!
Campers enjoy activities like swimming, horseback riding, team-building exercises, and more. Space includes 24 cabins, two modern bathroom/shower buildings, an indoor lodge/dining hall/activity center, and beachfront access.
Camp Oz Details:
- June 14-June 19, 2020 at YMCA Camp St. Croix
- Cost is $400, which includes a $50 nonrefundable deposit (financial assistance available)
- Cost includes room, meals, activities, and medical staff for the week
Camp Oz Requirements:
Camp Oz requires campers to function independently, with a positive attitude, within a structured group setting. For the safety of all participants, campers must be able to do the following:
- Understand and follow directions
- Stay involved in camp activities (up to 2 hours)
- Interact in a respectful way with other campers and staff
- Move among different camp areas and activities with limited supervision
- Participate in outdoor activities within a hilly/wooded setting
- Capable of performing activities of daily living (e.g., showering, eating, etc.).
Safety and Medical Support:
Safety is our priority. Registered nurses are on-site 24 hours a day, as are physicians, psychologists, pharmacists, and a neurologist from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All Camp St. Croix staff and volunteers are trained in seizure recognition and response. Two counselors per cabin of 8–10 youth meet campers’ personal needs and develop a sense of community.
If your child meets all Camp Oz requirements above, apply here.
Camp Oz 2019
2019 Camp Oz – Day 5
It took until the end of the afternoon on the last full day for us to see the first tiny bit of not-so-great weather. Pretty lucky, if you ask us! We had warm temps and sun for the majority of the day, until the clouds started to gather around 4pm
Camp Oz 2019 – Day 4
Wednesday marked the start of the second half of the week for Camp Oz, and you could definitely feel a more relaxed, low-key feeling around camp. Campers were getting fully into the routines of their daily schedule and knowing what to expect when. Day 4 also marked ANOTHER incredibly nice
Thriving with Epilepsy
Meet Camper Mara
Mara LeRoy is always looking for her next activity. She recently learned about indoor skydiving, which naturally she had to try, and just finished up her eighth year of adapted downhill skiing. She’s eager now for the snow to back off and plans to attend the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota’s (EFMN) Family Camp for the third consecutive year this July.
Mara's Story
Thriving with Epilepsy
Meet Camper Ben
Ben Stowell has carried both friendships and memories from camp into his adult life. It helped him become more comfortable with his epilepsy, and as he puts it, "Camp Oz taught me the only job I have is to be myself, and that's the best thing there is."
Read Ben's Story
More programs for youth with epilepsy
In addition to our camp programming, we offer a Shining Star program specifically for youth to help kids and teens with epilepsy meet and support each other.
Learn MoreThis program is funded in part by:
