Epilepsy Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri

6550 Troost, Suite B
Kansas City, MO 64131
phone: 816-444-2800
website: www.efha.org

Camp Shing is a camp for children and adolescents with epilepsy, their parents and siblings. They participate in normal camp activities, arts and crafts, swimming, horseback riding etc.; as well as educational sessions about epilepsy.

The camp has a camp director who has worked with Camp Shing for a number of years. She is assisted by Foundation staff and volunteers.

Camp Shing gives the children with epilepsy the opportunity to learn more about their disorder and to share their experiences/challenges with other children who share them so they don’t feel like they are alone in dealing with their issues. If they have a seizure while at camp, they don’t have to worry about negative reactions from others. They also gain confidence in sharing their story and advocating for themselves. Their siblings and/or friends attending can also share experiences and gain education. Parents can interact with other parents and share their particular concerns, in addition to becoming more educated themselves and learn about advocating for their child.

Attendees are asked to complete evaluations at the end of camp in which they answer questions about what they gained from the experience; how they changed etc. We also follow up via email or phone with attendees after camp.