Summer Programs

Summer Programs available to WisconSibs ages 6-17

SUMMER 2025 REGISTRATION IS CLOSED! Please contact our Program Manager, Tessa Lewis, email: tessa@wisconsibs.org or phone: (920) 393-7333 to inquire about waitlists,

2025 REGISTRATION CODES AND DEPOSIT POLICY

Note: The term “WisconSib” or “Sib” refers to the child who has a sister or brother with a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition.”

_{SibDays of Summer – July 14-18, 2025}

Campers are Ages 6-12

WHAT IS SIBDAYS OF SUMMER?

For over 23 years, WisconSibs has offered SibDays as a day-camp style program for children ages 6-12 who have siblings with disabilities, long-term illness, or mental health conditions. 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. 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. SibDays is typically held in July, and we are excited to offer day camp in Appleton, Madison, and Milwaukee this year!

Dates and Locations:

Fox Cities: July 14-18, 2025 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Plamann Park (Cost $225)

Madison: July 14 & 15, 2025 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at WG Lunney Lake Farm Park (Cost $100)

SibDays of Summer Liability Forms

Sib Camp – August 3-7, 2025

Campers ages 9-14 years old

WHAT IS SIB CAMP?

Sib Camp for ages 9-14, 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. We will offer a range of traditional camp activities, including archery, swimming, canoeing, crafts, and more. The camp will be located on the beautiful Green Lake lakefront, providing a stunning backdrop for all our activities. Kids will stay in cabins of 9 with other children their age, ensuring they have a comfortable and engaging environment to foster new friendships.

Teen siblings aged 15-17 are invited to join as Junior Counselors, where they will help manage campers, participate in activities, and develop leadership skills. Keep an eye out for an application when camp registration opens. There is no cost to be a Junior Counselor. We will also provide dedicated time for teens to connect through their own activities. It is open to Sibs from across the state.

Location: Daycholah Center, Ripon, WI on Green Lake

Date & Time: 3:00pm August 3 – 12:00pm August 7, 2025

Cost: $575

**A $100 deposit is required for camp registration. Use code DEPOSIT to pay the deposit only, otherwise you will be charged the full camp payment. If you use county funding, your deposit will be refunded once we receive authorization AND your child attends camp. Full refunds are available if you cancel 30 days or more before camp. A $50 refund is available if you cancel 15-29 days before camp. No refund is available if you cancel within 15 days of camp.

2025 Camp Health and Consent Forms

2025 Camp Rules and Expectations

2025 Camp Packing List

*Campership grants are awarded, as funds are available, to families needing assistance. For financial assistance information contact us. Contact your county for information about applying CLTS funds.

Are you interested in being a counselor? We are looking for a few more Counselors (ages 18+). Email tessa@wisconsibs.org for more information.

Teen Sib Leadership RETREAT – June 28 to July 1, 2025

This summer, we are excited to introduce the Teen Sib Leadership Retreat, a 2-night, 3-day event designed specifically for teen siblings aged 13 to 17 from all over Wisconsin. The retreat will take place at JCC Camp in Fredonia, WI, from June 29 to July 1, 2025.

The retreat aims to provide a unique opportunity for teens to develop leadership skills, engage in team-building activities, and enjoy downtime to connect and hang out with peers who share similar experiences. An application process will be conducted, and upon acceptance, a registration link will be sent to the participants. This retreat promises to be an enriching experience, fostering personal growth and lasting friendships.

The cost for the retreat is $150 per teen, with a $50 deposit required upon registration. We are also working on an opportunity for Teen Sibs to fundraise and cover the cost of their retreat, with an opt-out option for those who prefer to pay in full.

Support our teens and order some Mrs. Fields Cookie Dough by May 15: Teen Sib Fundraiser

Location: JCC Rainbow Day Camp (W3985 Trails End Road Fredonia, WI 53021)

Date & Time: 3:00pm June 28 to 12:00pm July 1, 2025

2025 Retreat Expectations Agreement

2025 Retreat Health and Consent Forms

2025 Retreat Packing List

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!”

Sib Summer Internship Program

College-age siblings

Siblings (preferred, but not required) who have completed at least their freshman year in college are eligible to apply for a paid summer intern program with WisconSibs. Up to two interns are awarded a position each summer.

Interns will assist in implementing summer youth programs, develop social media and marketing plans, and acquire database skills. This internship provides practical experience in program implementation and project management within a non-profit setting.

For more details, click 2025 WisconSibs Internship

Email it to Tessa Lewis if interested in 2026 internship.

Questions? Contact our Programs Manager, Tessa Lewis. (920) 393-7333 or tessa@wisconsibs.org