Sibling Connections currently offers four programs for reuniting siblings who have been separated by their placement in foster care.
Camp Sibling Connections: We bring over 100 siblings currently separated by foster care placements from across Massachusetts to a week-long overnight summer camp in the lakes region of Maine.
Sibling Socials: From October through May of each year, we offer monthly Sunday gatherings in three regions in Massachusetts including Greater Boston, Lowell/Lawrence, and Western MA. Gatherings include having lunch and participating in a fun activity together. Past activities have included hiking, backcountry yoga, bowling, arts and crafts, visits to museums, and more!
Weekend Retreats: Three times a year, in November, February, and April we offer weekend retreats in three different regions of MA (Western, Southeastern, and North Central). Siblings enjoy a Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon together at winterized camps!
Youth Leadership Program (YLP): As a part of Camp Sibling Connections, we have developed a Youth Leadership training program for older campers. The goal of the program is to provide a support system of caring adults and provide resources to help them develop life skills as they age out of foster care. YLPs are peer leaders to other campers during the week, assisting counselors in giving directions or leading an activity, and it is our hope they remain part of the Sibling Connections’ family as camp counselors after completing the YLP program.
We work closely with DCF social workers, caregivers, and other stakeholders to screen youth for acceptance into our programs. We strive to be as inclusive as possible, but our programs do not offer therapeutic interventions. We use the following guidelines to determine the fit for our programs:
● At least two siblings living in Massachusetts in separate foster care and/or kinship placements (or adoption of one or more in the sibling group)
● 7-20 years of age
● Interviews with the DCF social worker assigned to the sibling group for screening and acceptance into the program
● We accept referrals from anyone, but the DCF contact must be provided. To start the enrollment process for any of our programs, please email Leslie at leslie@siblingconnections.org.
