It's hard to imagine growing up in a different home than your brother or sister, but it's what many foster kids in San Diego must endure. But a county-run program called Camp Connect, gives these siblings a chance to bond during a four day camp. Now, the County is calling on volunteers to join the program.
"Twice a month, and that's it," said Margo Fudge with SD County Adoptions.
It's not the way brothers should have to live, but 13-year-old Emmanuel and 11-year-old Israel see each other only a couple times a month.
Through no fault of their own, Israel and Emmanuel had to be placed in separate homes in San Diego County's foster system and each brother admits, he has learned to live without the other.
"Sometimes I don't really think of him," said Emmanuel.
Isaac agrees, it's easier that way, but his body language speaks for itself and he tells me, when he does think about his big brother:
"I start getting sad a little."
So how do these brothers stay bonded, despite living apart? With playdates few and far between - the highlight of their year is going to a county-run camp, called Camp Connect.
"Our camp every summer is four days three nights up in the mountains of Julian," explained Fudge.
Camp Connect gives siblings who have been separated through their placement in foster care an opportunity to spend hours on end together, doing things a lot of siblings take for granted, but a rare treat for Emmanuel and Israel and about a hundred other separated siblings.
The program has become so successful that the county has a shortage of volunteers.
"We are in our 5th year of Camp Connect. This summer will be our 6th camp and as the camp continues to grow and we have more and more kids, we continue to have a need for volunteers, especially male volunteers," said Fudge.
With a ratio of about one volunteer for every two kids, the county is in need of about 50 to 60 volunteers with men bunking with the boys in their cabins and women bunking with the girls.
Volunteers are an instrumental part of Camp Connect and become role models for many of these children, talking with them and participating in activities with them.
"They're excited to see their siblings, without question, but they're excited to see the volunteers that they've built a bond with as well," Fudge continued. "We've seen kids run across the parking lot and leap into the arms of volunteers that have been there over the years for them. There's really nothing more sad than seeing the same kids return because you know they're still separated but at the same time, I know this program is doing great things for them in terms of their sibling relationship, but as well as with these adults."
Camp Connect will be held August 1 – 4, 2013. But there are several other Camp Connect activities you can get involved in before then. You must be at least 21 years old to volunteer. For more information, CLICK HERE.
If you're interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, please call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U during regular business hours.
