Summer Programs
SibDays of Summer
SibDays of Summer – Making friends. Having fun. Enjoying the outdoors.
A day-camp for children ages 6-12 who have siblings with special needs, this high energy day-camp is packed with games, arts and crafts, hikes and hunts, a carnival, playground fun, swimming and lots of other exciting outdoor fun. PLUS . . . siblings make new friends and have the opportunity to share and celebrate the challenges and joys of being a sibling. It is typically held in July at Plamann Park, just north of Appleton.
SibDays of Summer directors are trained WisconSibs Sibshop facilitators. Campers especially enjoy their teen and young adult small group leaders, many of whom also have siblings with special needs.
July 22-26, 2019 – Plamann Park, Appleton
Space is limited, so advanced registration required. No walk-ins.
Cost = $35 per day or $150 for all 5 days*
Register online or call 920-968-1742.
*Campership grants are awarded, as funds are available, to families needing assistance. Request financial assistance information by clicking Campership Application
Teen Sib Leadership Day (TSL) – June 13 – Appleton, WI
A one-day exciting and fun skill-building experience for teen siblings who have been awarded the Teen Sibling Leadership Award. June 13, 2019 from 10AM – 3PM. Location: BEAMING, Neenah.
To attend, you must be a new or previous recipient of the Teen Sibling Leadership Award.
To apply, click Teen Sib Leadership Award Application
Teens age 13 or older should apply no later than May 1. Download 2019 Teen Sib Leadership App. Previous winners may register online or by calling 920-968-1742.
Don’t miss the application deadline – May 1.
Sib Leader Internship Program
Siblings who have completed at least their freshman year in college are eligible to apply for a paid summer intern program with WisconSibs.
Sib Camp – 4 day/3 night in Door County, WI
For siblings ages 9-16, Sib Camp is an opportunity for some respite for siblings and kick back, experience the freedom and thrill of adventure, and share a great time with peers who truly understand the ups and downs of life with siblings who have special needs.
Activities include biking, hiking, swimming, paddling, zip lining, stargazing, camp cooking, campfires, ecology, photography, and much more!
Sib Camp is held at the Team Leadership Center near Sturgeon Bay in Door County, and is guided by experienced Team Leadership Center staff who are certified in education, ropes course, kayak, lifeguard, CPR and first aid. It is open to sibs from across the state.
THREE sessions available in Summer 2019
NEW IN 2019! June 20-23 for ages 9 and older at Peninsula State Park site (sleeping in tents) $275/camper (space limited to 10 campers)*
August 8-11 for ages 9-11 at Wagon Trail Campsite (bed sleeping in yurts) $325/camper (space limited to 14 campers)*
August 15-18 for ages 12-16 at Wagon Trail Campsite (bed sleeping in yurts) $325/camper (space limited to 14 campers)*
Campers report to the Door County Adventure/Team Leadership Center at 10AM of the first day of camp. Pick up is Noon the last day of camp.
Advanced registration required. No walk-ins. ENROLLMENT-PERMISSION FORM – complete this form AFTER registering and making payment.
*Campership grants are awarded, as funds are available, to families needing assistance. Request financial assistance information by clicking Campership Application 2019
Camp is Good for Sibs
Summer can get boring and sometimes pretty difficult for kids, especially siblings at home together. A break from one another, the couch and the electronic toys with the opportunity to play freely with other children outdoors are some of the most valuable features of the camps and summer activities offered by the WisconSibs.
Campers build confidence. Make lifelong friends. Learn new skills. Enjoy a sense of independence. All with others who share the concerns and joys of growing up with siblings who have special needs.
Camp is a place to make lifelong friends. A place to discover their passions and develop character. A place to try new things. According to the American Camp Association, 63% of children who learn new activities at camp will sustain an interest in those activities well after camp is over.
What do Parents Say About WisconSibs Summer Programs?
- “My son has increasingly gotten kinder to his sister over the years, and I think a large part of that is having an outlet such as SibDays where he can talk about his sister with other children. I think it makes him feel less alone.”
- “My daughter looks forward to this EVERY year. All staff is so great with the kids. I never worry about dropping her off. I know she is in great hands and gets physical and emotional support she needs.”
- “My son has a lot of fun while attending and it seems to keep him calmer and help him deal with his sister. He comes home and is much kinder to her and we all get along better.”
- “[After SibDays] my daughter did talk to me about how she is feeling when it comes to fairness in our family. How she feels cheated sometimes. This was on day 2 and I was thrilled she felt comfortable enough to bring this up and talk about it with me. I know it’s hard to express these types of feelings and she did so very honestly. Thank you!”