Camp HepSIBah

Brothers and Sisters Getting to Know Each Other

Because 75 percent of the children in the child welfare system have been separated from their siblings – and many never resolve the feelings of loss that result from these broken bonds – Hephzibah established a summer camp for brothers and sisters living in separate foster or group homes.

In 2003, thanks to the hard work and generosity of many people, Hephzibah piloted our first weeklong Sibling Camp in northern Michigan. For the last several years Camp HephSibah has taken place at Camp Duncan outside of Chicago.

The goal of this new program is to reunite siblings separated by the child welfare system through a summer camp experience.

Each year, our young campers spend an unforgettable week reconnecting with their brothers and sisters, sharing childhood adventures, and creating memories they will cherish in the years to come.  The week is filled with exciting activities, newly forged friendships, opportunities to discover hidden skills, and a chance to learn more about one’s brothers and sisters in a safe and nurturing environment.

For many of the children, this is their first trip away from home – and their first camping experience.  They participate in typical childhood activities such as swimming, playing games, making crafts, painting t-shirts, building sand castles, singing songs, and sharing stories around the campfire.

The last night of camp is one of joy tempered by sadness, as all of the children realize that they will soon be separated from their siblings again. But the week has worked its magic: Many brothers and sisters are inspired to take a more active role in staying in touch with one another through letters and phone calls when they return home.

For children who have lost so much in their short lives, these strengthened sibling relationships are crucial to a healthy sense of who they are and where they came from. The positive experiences that they share with their brothers and sisters at Hephzibah’s Sibling Camp can make a lifelong difference in the way they view themselves, give them a much-needed sense of belonging, and provide a strong foundation for future family bonds.

Thanks to private funding from individuals, small businesses, corporations, and foundations, these children can look forward to a fun-filled week at Hephzibah’s Sibling Camp every summer, where they can strengthen relationships with their beloved brothers and sisters and celebrate the common ground that they share.