Glimmer of Hope Summer Camp

For years, the team at Epilepsy York Region (EYR) has dreamed of starting a summer camp for kids living with epilepsy. A camp where kids could be themselves, connect with other kids with epilepsy and have summer camp memories. And a camp where parents could send their kids with epilepsy, knowing that the supports and procedures were in place to keep their kids safe. However, this idea remained a dream because the funding was never available for it.

Fast forward to August 2019 and the success of the first annual Glimmer of Hope Golf Tournament. Finally, there was enough funding available to make the summer camp dream a reality. Although Covid 19 forced the EYR team to run their first camp virtually in 2021, the kids were able to connect and do activities that they wouldn’t have had access to, otherwise.

When the camp expanded to include family camp days in 2022, the EYR team was overjoyed with its success. Not only were the kids able to come together to play and enjoy each others company, the parents were also able to connect in a way that was unexpected and so necessary. Through family outings, games, crafts and picnics all families were able to enjoy the company of others with similar experiences and to learn from one another.

Now they are about to enter the 5th year and the Glimmer of Hope Summer Camp is still going strong. We can't wait to see what all of the families with epilepsy are able to experience this year!