Making a Splash at EFMN’s Waterpark Day

Caregiver and child pose for picture in a pool wearing a life vest, goggles, and holding a colored beach ball - Uncategorized

In May, the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN) welcomed 50 individuals and families impacted by epilepsy to Thumper Pond Indoor Waterpark in Ottertail for a day filled with splashing, laughter, connection, and community.

From racing down water slides to relaxing poolside with new friends, attendees spent the day making memories in a space designed for fun and connection. While the waterpark brought the excitement, the true highlight of the day was the opportunity for families and individuals to connect with others who understand the experiences of living with epilepsy.

A Day Filled with Connection

Throughout the day, attendees of all ages joined in the fun throughout the afternoon, getting to enjoy a pizza lunch buffet, playing games, laughing, and spending quality time together.

Families playing Connect Four games at the event and socializing
Attendees posing for a picture at the event
Families playing Tic-Tac-Toe games at the event
Attendees socializing and posing for picture at the event
Attendees enjoy a pizza buffet lunch at the event
Attendees pose for a photo at the event's pool day themed photo booth

Attendees then took to the waterpark to swim, relax, and enjoy time together. Between water slides and poolside conversations, new friendships formed and meaningful connections grew throughout the day.

Attendee in an inner tube at the waterpark
Attendees playing pool ball at the waterpark
Family with a youth wearing goggles and life vest holding a beach ball while in the pool at the waterpark
Attendees posing for picture by the waterslide at the waterpark
Attendee with an inner tube by the pool at the waterpark wearing goggles on forehead
Attendees in a double inner tube going down the waterslide with goggles on
Attendees with swim caps and goggles splashing as they come out of the waterslide at the waterpark

Events like EFMN Waterpark Day are about more than just a fun day at the pool, they are about creating spaces where individuals and families impacted by epilepsy can feel seen, supported, and connected.

For families and individuals who may often feel isolated in their experiences, these gatherings offer something powerful: the reminder that they are not alone.

After the event, attendees shared what made the day meaningful to them. Here’s a snapshot of the words and themes they used to describe the day:

Word cloud description of the event including words like caregiver, awareness, family, learning, comfortable, relaxed, belonging, play, friendships, inclusive, together, others, families, energy, friendly, understanding, welcoming, swimming, invite, slides, easy

Thanks for Making a Splash with Us!

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Waterpark Day such a memorable experience. From families and caregivers to volunteers and supporters, each person helped create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere for all who attended. Thank you for being part of the EFMN community and for helping us create spaces where connection, support, and fun can come together.

A special thank you to Lisa Necatro, EFMN Outreach Manager, for organizing this year’s Waterpark Day and helping create a fun, welcoming space for families and individuals to connect and make memories together.

We’re already looking forward to making more waves with you next year!

Outreach Manager Lisa N poses for a photo at the photo booth in a purple wig with purple pom poms
Attendees pose for photo by the pool in the waterpark
Attendees pose for photo at the pool-day themes photo booth
Attendees with swim caps and goggles splashing as they come out of the waterslide at the waterpark
Attendees playing pool ball at the waterpark
Family with a youth wearing goggles and life vest holding a beach ball while in the pool at the waterpark
Attendees posing for picture by the waterslide at the waterpark
Attendee with an inner tube by the pool at the waterpark wearing goggles on forehead
Attendees in a double inner tube going down the waterslide with goggles on
Attendee in an inner tube going down the waterslide
Attendee swimming near the waterslide
Attendee in an inner tube going down the waterslide
Attendee in an inner tube in the pool of the water park
Attendees enjoy a pizza buffet lunch at the event
Attendees pose for a picture at the event
Families playing Tic-Tac-Toe games at the event
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while playing Connect Four
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Attendees pose for a photo at the event while socializing at a table
Families spend time togetehr playing Connect Four at the event
Attendees check into the event with EFMN Outreach Manager Lisa N,

Explore more photos on our EFMN Flickr page.

EFMN offers these events completely FREE to our EFMN community. If you’d like to help continue to make events like this possible, you can support this work by making a a gift of any amount.

Make a Gift

Registration is now open for the 2026 Walks!
Join a free walk near you to honor a loved one, recognize your own epilepsy journey, or show support for someone you care about. When we come together, we're stronger together.

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Last chance to register for Camp Oz!  Registration closes Monday, June 8. Camp Oz, Day Camp, and Family Camp offer safe, fun summer experiences for youth with epilepsy (ages 5–17) and their siblings.
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