Sibling Connections
Sibling Connections
The sibling relationship is one of the most influential and longest-lasting relationships anyone can experience. Yet the foster care system can separate siblings from one another, putting sibling relationships at a heightened risk of falling apart.
At Elevating Connections, we know that maintaining sibling relationships is one of the keys to youth successfully adapting to life both in the foster care system and into adulthood. But to accomplish this, adults need to step up and provide opportunities for separated siblings to reconnect, make incredible memories together, and forge relationships that will last a lifetime.
Elevating Connections is proud to be at the forefront of this mission. We do this through our Sibling Connections program, which has two main branches — Camp Connect and Monthly Sibling Connecting Events
Camp Connect
"Supporting the Sibling Bond"
Camp Connect happens every year in August at Camp Shady Brook in Colorado. We have designed this camp to give siblings ages 8 to 18 who have been separated by the foster care system an extended opportunity to reconnect and make impactful memories together. We’ve had many children in the past say that the experiences at Camp Connect were some of the best of their lives. We are excited for more success stories and happy campers this coming year!
While at camp, siblings will enjoy three daily meals together. They’ll swim in the lake, splash, fight, make up, and grow stronger together through every experience. They will participate in a challenge course, go horseback riding, and try other new experiences that will expand their boundaries and increase their teamwork.
Campers will do every activity with their siblings, encouraging each other and building memories the whole time. Every camper will learn what it means to have a sibling relationship. They’ll see what it’s supposed to be firsthand, instead of hearing about it from someone else.
Sibling Relationships Built at Camp
- Quality and Quantity
One of the main reasons Camp Connect Colorado is so impactful is because of the quality and quantity of memories children are making with their siblings throughout the week. The time spent at camp equals one to two years’ worth of “normal” visits, because they’ll be together for five days straight. They’ll experience significant personal and relational growth during that time, and their bonds will last even when the time comes for them to go their separate ways for a while.
For many kids, the time spent at Camp to Connect Colorado is one of the only times they see their siblings during the year. But the good news is that the experience is packed to the brim with quality time together. As the week progresses, kids will grow stronger in their sibling relationships. This will open up each child to the benefits of sibling relationships while minimizing negative outcomes that are seen in children who are separated from their siblings in the foster care system.
Camp Connect
Supporting the Sibling Bond
Camp Connect happens every year in August at Camp Shady Brook in Colorado. We have designed this camp to give siblings ages 8 to 18 who have been separated by the foster care system an extended opportunity to reconnect and make impactful memories together. We’ve had many children in the past say that the experiences at Camp Connect were some of the best of their lives. We are excited for more success stories and happy campers this coming year!
While at camp, siblings will enjoy three daily meals together. They’ll swim in the lake, splash, fight, make up, and grow stronger together through every experience. They will participate in a challenge course, go horseback riding, and try other new experiences that will expand their boundaries and increase their teamwork.
Campers will do every activity with their siblings, encouraging each other and building memories the whole time. Every camper will learn what it means to have a sibling relationship. They’ll see what it’s supposed to be firsthand, instead of hearing about it from someone else.
Sibling Relationships Built at Camp
- Quality and Quantity
One of the main reasons Camp Connect Colorado is so impactful is because of the quality and quantity of memories children are making with their siblings throughout the week. The time spent at camp equals one to two years’ worth of “normal” visits, because they’ll be together for five days straight. They’ll experience significant personal and relational growth during that time, and their bonds will last even when the time comes for them to go their separate ways for a while.
For many kids, the time spent at Camp Connect Colorado is one of the only times they see their siblings during the year. But the good news is that the experience is packed to the brim with quality time together. As the week progresses, kids will grow stronger in their sibling relationships. This will open up each child to the benefits of sibling relationships while minimizing negative outcomes that are seen in children who are separated from their siblings in the foster care system.
Monthly Sibling Connecting Events
Elevating Connections knows that siblings in the foster system need more consistent time together throughout the year for the most positive benefits. That’s why we offer Monthly Sibling Connecting Events to ensure sibling bonds continue to flourish and grow into special relationships that will last children long into their adulthood.
Our Monthly Sibling Connecting Events consist of three to four hours of siblings and kids spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. They will spend time at the park, eat meals together, and participate in art projects that broaden their horizons and help them find their unique voice. Responsible, caring adults will be with them during these times, giving kids the much-needed influence of adults who care about them and emphasize the importance of the sibling relationship.
Part of the Sibling Connections Program is adult advocacy for foster kids. Elevating Connections stands up for kids and encourages the adults in their lives to work together for the benefit of the children. We advocate for siblings, working with judges, attorneys, and caseworkers alike. We also ensure that the Sibling Bill of Rights, which was passed into law in 2019, is properly implemented by all involved parties.
During the holidays, kids will share a meal together. For some siblings, this will be the first time they will ever experience a holiday event together. Adults teach the youth that they can start creating their own holiday traditions together, even if they are living in separate homes. This helps kids realize that they can invest in their sibling relationships outside of their foster situations.
Family dynamics can make things complicated for children in the foster care system, but with the help of Elevating Connections, adults can learn to adjust their actions to affect kids more positively and help them invest in their sibling relationships.
Monthly Sibling Connecting Events
Elevating Connections knows that siblings in the foster care system need more consistent time together throughout the year for the most positive benefits. That’s why we offer Monthly Sibling Connecting Events to ensure sibling bonds continue to flourish and grow into special relationships that will last children long into their adulthood.
Our Monthly Sibling Connecting Events consist of three to four hours of siblings and kids spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. They will spend time at the park, bowling, swimming, eat meals together, and participate in art projects that broaden their horizons and help them find their unique voice. Responsible, caring adults will be with them during these times, giving kids the much-needed influence of adults who care about them and emphasize the importance of the sibling relationship.
Part of the Sibling Connections Program is adult advocacy for foster kids. Elevating Connections stands up for kids and encourages the adults in their lives to work together for the benefit of the children. We advocate for siblings, working with judges, attorneys, and caseworkers alike. We also ensure that the Sibling Bill of Rights, which was passed into law in 2019, is properly implemented by all involved parties.
During the holidays, kids will share a meal together. For some siblings, this will be the first time they will ever experience a holiday event together. Adults teach the youth that they can start creating their own holiday traditions together, even if they are living in separate homes. This helps kids realize that they can invest in their sibling relationships outside of their foster situations.
Family dynamics can make things complicated for children in the foster care system, but with the help of Elevating Connections, adults can learn to adjust their actions to affect kids more positively and help them invest in their sibling relationships.
You Can Help Reconnect Siblings Separated by the Foster Care System
Sibling relationships should be given the same priority as the parent-child relationship, and that’s why we exist. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about our Sibling Connections programming. You can also sign up to be a volunteer if you would like to get personally involved.
Do you know foster children who have been separated from their siblings? They could be the perfect candidates for our Sibling Connections programs. Complete the referral process to take the next step toward positively impacting the youth in your life and helping them forge lasting relationships with their siblings!