For many reasons, children entering foster care and other out-of-home care are placed in separate homes. The brothers and sisters many have leaned on through times of trouble are no longer standing beside them to give their support and comfort, adding to a child's trauma and sense of isolation.
Some kids in care have almost no visits with separated siblings because they are placed in different cities, across the state, even in different states.
SIBLING STRONG SUMMER CAMP
For one week each summer, Sibling Strong SUMMER CAMP, reunites siblings with ties to Washington state. We believe these children have a right and a deep need to spend time with each other to maintain their relationship when it is impossible for them to live together. Their time at our camps and at other Sibling Strong activities helps siblings stay connected. And being with other youth who have experienced the same trauma helps them realize they are not alone in this difficult situation.
Brothers and sisters reunite at Miracle Ranch on Horseshoe Lake on Washington's beautiful Key Peninsula for some quality time. They laugh, cry, experience hope, begin healing, and create positive memories that will last a lifetime.
There's a place for separated brothers and sisters to be together again. It's called Sibling Strong Summer Camp
YOU CAN HELP SIBLINGS IN CARE
Sibling Strong depends on event volunteers for year-round activities and fulltime and daytime volunteers for camps that reunite separated brothers and sisters, helping them stay connected and build resilience.
Washington DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter talks about Sibling Strong Summer Camp and its importance to kids in care.
WHAT OUR CAMPERS SAY
JACOB, 9
If you ever need anything, call me. (To his little sister)
ANDREW, 12
Without this camp,
Joshua and I wouldn't
have a relationship.
KATIE, 11
I met my sister for the first time at Camp To Belong. Thank you for having camp.