Click ONLINE NOMINATION FORM

Nominations for the Sibling’s Choice Award recognizing caregivers, either family caregivers or paid professionals are due October 29, 2021. These awards are nominated BY SIBLINGS of people with disabilities and can be ANY AGE.

Awards will be announced at the Outagamie Caregiver Appreciation event on November 3, 2021.

Selection Criteria:
-Nominated by an individual (any age) who is a brother or sister of a person with a disability.
-Nominations received after the deadline will be considered the next year.
-For teams or agencies, one person should be identified as a contact person and representation of the team.
-Cannot be self-nominated
-It is not required to be a resident of Outagamie County to nominate or be nominated.

more details

Looking for a fun-filled Halloween activity?

Again this year, SOAR Fox Cities and WisconSibs are bringing this spooktacular event to people with disabilities, their siblings, and families — right to your car door!

That’s right! This drive-thru event will allow trick or treaters with disabilities and their siblings to drive through our happy haunting ground to gather tricks and treats!

As you enter the park, you will be greeted by spirited individuals eager to spread some Halloween entertainment. Costumed characters will hand you treats and you don’t even have to leave your car!

Are you ready to help us Creep it Real this Halloween? Advance registration is required. Register by October 14.

MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM

October Sibshop

This event will feature Sibshop activities and lots of fun reconnecting with other kids who have siblings with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions.  Bring your mask and wear a costume.

Advance registration required. Limit: 15 Sibshop participants.  TO REGISTER, CLICK

Watch for more details about future 2021-2022 Sibshops.

Teen Sib Leadership opportunity. Click to volunteer.

2021 Family Caregiver Appreciation Day

OPEN TO ANY FAMILY MEMBER SERVING AS A CAREGIVER –

FREE, YOUR REGISTRATION IS APPRECIATED.

Click to download flyer

Click to REGISTER

or call 920-428-0827

Click to REGISTER NOW FOR SANTA CELEBRATION

“Santa Celebration” is designed for families who have children with special needs and their siblings of any age. The event begins at 9:00 am and continues until 11:30 am.  Families may come/leave any time and also may schedule a specific time slot to visit Santa, helping them avoid long lines and giving children more time to play and parents relax. Volunteer Santa Helpers available to assist with children.

Activities during the event include: Cookie decorating, games, crafts, face painting, fun in the outdoor Santa’s courtyard, letters to Santa, breakfast treats, hot and cold beverages, and much, much more!

$10 for adults. Children are free.

REGISTER

Sibling Saturday at the Building for Kids
Dec 18, 2021   1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

This special day welcomes children ages infants – 12 years with disabilities, their siblings, and parents/guardians/grandparents to play at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum.

The event is organized by WisconSibs and is FREE. Families have access to all museum exhibits and can
explore the museum freely during this play session. Come enjoy the museum and participate in these special features:

Misty the puppet

• Sibshop for children ages 6-12 who have a sibling with disabilities (1:30 – 2:30 pm)
• Parent information and First 5 and other local early childhood resources  (1:00 pm – 3:00pm)
• Meet the author of ‘I Love You Marylou’, Ruth Schmeckpepper
• Children’s story readings
• Meet ‘Misty’ the puppet and her friend Lori
• Santa!!

This event is free to families of children with disabilities, but registration is required and COVID precautions are limited to 100 people.

All visitors to the Building for Kids must sanitize hands upon arrival. Masks are required for all visitors age 3 and older. No food or drink is allowed in the museum at this time.

CLICK TO REGISTER YOUR FAMILY

What are Sibshops?
What is a Sibsack?

Download flyer

With an increase in COVID cases, the January Sibshop will take place via Zoom. How many new friends will you meet who have a sibling with disabilities? Come find out on January 15, 2022! Kids from all over Wisconsin are welcome.

You may choose to attend from 9:30 am – 10:30 am  OR from 11:00 am – Noon.

Besides meeting other kids who have siblings with disabilities, you’ll play games, invent silly SibLibs (like Madlibs), and other fun activities designed just for kids ages 6-12 growing up with a sibling with disabilities.

Registration is free and should be made in advance by clicking:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdeGppj0rH9FaOG2Q4r7MDUPjuXnmqBNu

NEW Book Club for adult Sibs!

Join other adults who have siblings with disabilities for this new book club designed just for you.

Here’s a chance to connect with other adult sibs while getting into a book on your reading list or a new read.

Any Sib may join from anywhere in Wisconsin. Books will be chosen by participants and meetings are expected to be held once per month via Zoom.

Don’t always have time to read? Join us anyway and read when you can (or use it as extra encouragement to make time to read.) Be open to a world of posSIBility!

Information Zoom session – February 8, 2022 – 7 pm CT
https://bit.ly/wisconsibsREAD
(note: case sensitive)

Come get acquainted, choose the first book, and tell us meeting times that work for you.

This Little Sibshop Goes to the Market

The Appleton Community Public Market that is..

Fox Cities Exhibition Center
355 W. Lawrence Street—Appleton, WI

Here’s a fun opportunity to participate in Sibshop during the Appleton Community Market (indoor Farmer’s Market). Join us in the Exhibition Hall  from 10 am-11 am. Sibshop will be contained in a adult supervised area allowing the rest of the family to browse the market.  Once inside, follow signs for WisconSibs. This is a FREE event and Sibshop registration is not required.

2022 Sibs Are My Peeps
Photo Challenge

Grab a couple packages of Peeps, a box, some glue, a little paper or decorations, and you’ve got fun for an afternoon.

HOW TO ENTER

After creating a scene with your marshmallow Peeps, take 2 photos and send them to [email protected] . The theme this year is “Peeps Go to the Movies”. The contest runs from March 1 to March 25, 2022.

More information and see entries from previous years visit  https://wisconsibs.org/what-we-offer/sibs-are-my-peeps/

Tired of Zoom? Join us for Sibshop at the Zoo

What could be more fun than a Sibshop at the Zoo? This Sibshop includes a special N.E.W. Zoo program called Animals Adaptations. Registration required. Limit 20 children.

COVID-19 Updates:

• For zoo programs, face coverings are required when inside Zoo buildings for everyone aged 3 and above (except when eating/drinking). The Zoo can provide both child- and adult-sized disposable masks for anyone who is unable to bring their own. For the safety of guests, zoo staff, and our animals, those who are unable to wear a face covering will be unable to participate.

MORE INFO AND ONLINE REGISTRATION

FREE!  FAMILY-FRIENDLY!  ACCESSIBLE!

Visit our WisconSibs display and vote for your favorite Sibs Are My Peeps display.

More information about Kidz Expo

Book Club for adult Sibs!

Join other adults who have siblings with disabilities for this new book club designed just for you.

Here’s a chance to connect with other adult sibs while getting into a book on your reading list or a new read.

Any Sib may join from anywhere in Wisconsin. Books will be chosen by participants and meetings are expected to be held once per month via Zoom.

Don’t always have time to read? Join us anyway and read when you can (or use it as extra encouragement to make time to read.) Be open to a world of posSIBility!

https://bit.ly/wisconsibsREAD
(note: case sensitivity)

April 2022 – If at Birth You Don’t Success by Zach Anner

March 2022 – Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

WisconSibs Teen Sib Leaders * will be leading the Sibshop on Saturday along with trained WisconSibs Sibshop Facilitators at the WI Autism Conference being held at the Kalahari, WI Dells.

On Friday, April 29, teen sibs will leave Appleton at noon and arrive at the Kalahari in time to meet other teen sibs attending the conference for some teen social time.

There will be plenty of time for fun in the waterpark attractions at the Kalahari later Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Hotel accommodations and three meals will be paid by WisconSibs, Inc. Teen Sib Leaders that are participating should bring money for snacks and one meal.

We are seeking parent chaperones who can drive Teen Sibs from Appleton to the Kalahari on Friday, chaperone a hotel room, and return to Appleton on Saturday. Contact Harriet if you are interested.

*Teen Sib Leaders apply to be selected and trained as leaders with WisconSibs. They often lead small groups, mentor young siblings, and volunteer throughout the year for various WisconSibs events.

WisconSibs will be providing Sibshop for children ages 8-12 who have siblings with autism and attending the WI Autism Conference being held at the Kalahari, WI Dells. WisconSibs Teen Sib Leaders will be leading the Sibshop along with trained WisconSibs Sibshop Facilitators. To sign up, visit the WI Autism Conference registration

Sibshop for ages 8-17 at Circles of Life conference

Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual conference for families who have children with disabilities. This event brings together families and the providers who support them to learn, connect, and become more knowledgeable about programs and services for their children.

This year’s conference will be held on May 12–13, 2022. You can attend
either in person or remotely (online). Attend in Person The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The Holiday Inn is holding some rooms for conference attendees who want to stay at the hotel. We recommend making hotel reservations early.

To learn more about the conference go to CirclesofLifeConference.com

Book Club for adult Sibs!

Join other adults who have siblings with disabilities for this new book club designed just for you.

Here’s a chance to connect with other adult sibs while getting into a book on your reading list or a new read.

Any Sib may join from anywhere in Wisconsin. Books will be chosen by participants and meetings are expected to be held once per month via Zoom.

Don’t always have time to read? Join us anyway and read when you can (or use it as extra encouragement to make time to read.) Be open to a world of posSIBility!

https://bit.ly/wisconsibsREAD
(note: case sensitivity)

May 2022 -A List of Cages by Robin Roe

This Zoom meeting is for Sib Campers and their parents.

You will meet your Sib Camp guides, hear about the activities planned for camp, learn what to bring to camp, and ask your questions.

Campers can get acquainted and parents can discuss ride sharing if they are interested.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81471425680?pwd=OWNQMkwyaEFjZkJsK1ZVQ3lPQ1ZMQT09

Meeting ID: 814 7142 5680           Passcode: WisconSibs