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Think back to your favorite childhood memory. If you grew up with siblings, chances are, a brother or sister was right there beside you. For most of us, siblings are our first best friends, our secret-keepers, and our lifelong connection to our roots. However, for many children navigating foster care and/or adoption, these vital connections are often interrupted. That is where Belong Wisconsin fulfills an essential role of reestablishing sibling bonds and building treasured sibling relationships.
“Siblings are our longest-lasting relationships. They are the keepers of our memories and the witnesses to our early lives. When we preserve that bond, we preserve a child’s sense of self.” — Lynn Price, Founder of Camp To Belong
Maintaining connections and relationships with a brother or sister isn’t just about having fun; it is a critical safety net for children navigating the child welfare system. Research informs us that siblings provide one another with a unique sense of safety, predictability, and identity. When siblings stay connected, they are better able to process their shared history and build an emotional resilience that lasts into adulthood.
Camp To Belong was inspired and created in 1995 by Lynn Price, who grew up in foster care herself and knew from personal experience the emotional pain of being separated from her sister. In 2015, Kate and Rob Bauer brought that vision to Wisconsin, launching the state’s first sibling-focused camp. Today, that legacy has evolved into Belong Wisconsin, a year-round nonprofit. What began as a once-a-year summer camp has blossomed into a continuous network of support for families throughout the state.
“I’m deeply inspired by the ability to create spaces of connection.” — Eshalon Mayer, Executive Director of Belong Wisconsin
What Happens at Belong Wisconsin? Camp counselors and volunteers create joyful, safe spaces where siblings can be brothers and sisters again:
- Sibling Camp: A five-day overnight adventure at Camp Anokijig (August 16–21, 2026) where separated siblings reunite for canoeing, archery, and intentional memory-making activities.
- Regional Connection Events: Fun daytrips to waterparks and community centers held throughout the year. These events are open to the entire household (birth, foster, and adoptive families).
Learn More & Stay Connected
Join the Network: To receive invitations for regional events near you and updates on camp registration, please fill out the Get Involved Form, which is designed for interested families, case workers, volunteers, board members, and donors.
Official Website: www.belongwisconsin.org
Upcoming Events with Belong Wisconsin
Cooking Out for Camp: Join Belong Wisconsin on Friday, April 10, between 11 AM and 5 PM at the Northland Avenue Festival Foods in Appleton for a brat fry. All funds raised will benefit summer programming.
Foster Care Awareness Month Event: Join Belong Wisconsin on Sunday, May 3, for treats, tie-dye, and a bit of horsing around. This connection event will be held at Milwaukee Urban Stables. Community building, activities, and fun for all ages with the Belong Wisconsin team from 10-noon, and an equine presentation in the stables from 12-1! For more information, or to RSVP, click here.