While summer camp is a traditional rite of passage for many children, most of the children who come to Hephzibah’s group home or who are living in foster care have never experienced summer camp and activities like cookouts, campfires and canoeing. That is why we created Camp HepSIBah – an annual summer camp experience for the dozens of children in our care who have been separated from their biological siblings.
Sibling Camp
Camp HepSIBah has been going strong since 2003, and this year up to 75 children will enjoy of host of activities such as canoeing, archery, rock climbing, cookouts along with gathering around the campfire for songs and s’mores. Most importantly though, the four days gives the children the opportunity for separated siblings to reconnect and form deep emotional bonds that will support and sustain them throughout their lives.
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 experiences that they share with their brothers and sisters at 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.
Hephzibah needs your help to ensure that each child arrives at camp with the proper gear. Following is a list of items needed for each child:
• New or gently used beach towels
• New bathing suits for boys and girls (sizes child medium through adult small)
• Single/twin sheet sets
• New or very gently used pillows
Donated items should be marked “Sibling Camp” and delivered to Hephzibah Home, 946 North Boulevard, Oak Park, by Monday, July 24. Thank you!