Summer Programs
Summer Programs available to WisconSibs ages 6-16
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 15-19, 2024
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. 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.
Date: Daily JULY 15-19 10 am – 3 pm Location: Plamann Park 1375 E Broadway Dr, Appleton, WI
SIBDAYS INFO & REGISTRATION
DOWNLOAD HEALTH-CONSENT FORM
Teen Sib Leadership Award
Ages 13-17
The Teen Sib Leadership Award is open to teen siblings ages 13-17 who are eager for a challenge and have a heart for serving others. To win an award you MUST APPLY. Once you have received the award you do not need to apply again to participate in the Teen Sib Leadership Day and all other events.
TEEN SIB LEADERSHIP AWARD APPLICATION
Award winners participate in the Teen Sib Leadership Day (see below). The day includes team building and leadership skill activities. Lunch, all supplies provided. Participation is FREE and open to new and previous award winners.
Teen Sib Leadership Day (TSLD) – July 1st, 2024
If have received a WisconSibs Teen Sib Leadership Award, we invite you to join us for Teen Sib Leadership Day 2024!
We have partnered with JCC Rainbow Day camp to offer a day filled with new experiences to bring teen sibs together. We will spend time getting to know other teens and learning what makes a great leader. We will put those leadership skills to the test when we go through a mud run obstacle course (no worries if you aren’t super athletic, this course is for everyone). We will also get a chance to participate in archery, climb a rock wall and more. We’ll enjoy a simple picnic lunch, then cook out over a fire and enjoy some s’mores for dinner.
Location: JCC Rainbow Day Camp (W3985 Trails End Road Fredonia, WI 53021) Bus transportation from Appleton and Madison will be provided.
Date & Time: Monday, July 1st, 2024 from 10:00am-7:00pm
Teen Sib Leadership Day open to previous Teen Sib Leadership Award winners at no cost.
**To attend, you must be a new or previous recipient of the Teen Sibling Leadership Award and complete the Consent form. If you are not a current or previous Teen Sib Leadership Award winner, you should apply here before registering for Teen Sib Leadership Day.
TEEN SIB LEADERSHIP DAY INFO AND REGISTRATION
Sib Summer Internship Program
College-age siblings
Siblings 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.
Download Summer Intern Job Description
Download Summer Intern Job Application
Questions? Contact us
Sib Camp – 4 day/3 night – Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo, WI –
Ages 13-16 Devil’s Lake State Park (tents)
Sib Camp – 4 day/3 night in Door County, WI – See DATES
Camps available for ages 9-12 (tents); 9-12 (yurts); 9-16 (yurts); or 13-16 (yurts).
WHAT IS SIB CAMP? 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.
Download WHAT TO BRING TO SIB CAMP – SIB CAMP DIRECTIONS
INFO ABOUT 2024 CAMPS and REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION-PERMISSION FORM – a link to this form will be sent to you after your Enrollment-Registration is complete and payment (or Campership) is received.
*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.
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!”