Saying "see ya later" to Camp To Belong 2014

Our last campfire gathering has become a sacred place for many of our campers. In some ways, it’s a reminder that camp is ending and it’s time to say “see you later” to the many friends our campers made during the week. Connections between our camp counselors and our campers have developed and you’ll hear many kids refer to counselors and fellow campers as “new family members”. But what makes it really difficult for many of our campers, that other campers don’t experience, is the heart-breaking difficulty of saying “see you later” to their brothers and sisters.

As the Director, I find the task of supporting campers through this to be emotionally difficult, and one of the hardest things I endure during this process. There is no easy way to make light of this goodbye or to not acknowledge the life choices that caused the separation in the first place. 

I tell campers that decisions have been made, some we have control over and some we don’t. The only thing we can do is to move forward and treasure the time and memories that were formed at camp. I often found myself telling campers who are struggling to allow themselves to have a good time. Despite the trials they face (which are unimaginable for many of them), they have permission for just one week in their lives to let things go. If they don’t let it go and have peace during the week, they are going to miss out on the opportunity to build many valuable connections and lasting memories.

And in some ways, many of them are experiencing disappointment and sadness with a group of 50 plus people that care for them, and will support them through this process. Something they may have never experienced before. That is just another hidden gift our program offers to all brothers and sisters. 

Here at Sibling Connections we created a year-round program, called Sibling Sundays, which is located in four different areas around the state. Sibling Sundays keeps most of our siblings connected year-round which our brothers and sisters find extremely valuable. One Sunday a month for three hours siblings are able to participate in “normal” childhood activities such as pumpkin picking, sledding, art classes, roller skating, and bowling. Sibling Sundays grew out of our desire to provide a yearlong connection for our campers. It’s a vehicle we are able to offer to families and social workers that need support in maintaining sibling connections.Click here to learn more about Sibling Sundays and how you can get involved.