An often overlooked aspect of foster care is its impact on sisters and brothers who become separated in the system. Of the half-million children in US foster care, it is estimated that 75% have been separated from at least one sibling.
Since 1995, the national non-profit Camp to Belong has provided an annual summer reunion for more than 2,500 kids through their member camps in seven states, as well as Canada and Australia.
VPSI was proud to support the 2009 Camp to Belong Georgia held at Camp Twin Lakes (Rutledge, Georgia) in early July. The six-day program brought together nearly three dozen siblings from around the state for a week of fun activities, with a focus on bonding and creating lasting childhood memories.
Throughout the week, campers enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, art projects–even competitions to promote some friendly sibling-rivalry!
Sherri Collins, VPSI Vanpool Driver and Associate at The Home Depot headquarters in Atlanta, serves as the camp’s Program Director in Georgia. Ms. Collins explains, “The primary mission of the Camp to Belong Georgia is to reunite brothers and sisters placed in separate foster homes. These children face very real hardships – the uprooting of everything familiar, the lack of stability often found in placements, and, most importantly, the loss of relationships with their siblings, the only people who truly understand what they have gone through.”
Now in its third year, Camp to Belong Georgia is made possible by a dedicated corps of volunteers, some traveling from as far away as Nevada and Colorado. Nationally, more than 250 volunteers have provided upwards of 42,000 hours of their time; Among the ranks of volunteers are many camper alumni who have benefited from the program over the years.
Responding to the organization’s need for logistical support, VPSI was able to assist in the transportation of staff and supplies to the site in rural Morgan County.
VPSI salutes Ms. Collins and all of our customers for performing good work in their communities and abroad.
To learn more about Camp to Belong, visit their website at www.camptobelong.org.
Tags: Australia, Camp to Belong, Camp Twin Lakes, Canada, non-profit, separated, sibling, sisters, US foster care
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