Sibling Day Camp Cares for Patients' Brothers and Sisters

Sibling Day Camp for ages 6-10, 2007.

The brothers and sisters of children who are patients at The Children’s Hospital often live in the shadow of their sibling’s illness. These children sense their parents are already overwhelmed and don’t feel comfortable vocalizing their feelings; they feel left out.

“Everything in their life has changed for something they don’t even understand,” said Tommi McHugh, child life specialist, CCLS. “We know the needs of siblings are high; we certainly see that every day.”

McHugh and Allison Donohue, recreation therapist, CTRS/CCLS, recognized the need for a place where siblings feel they are the priority. In 2006 they established Sibling Day Camp for siblings of patients currently receiving treatment in Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

The camp gives siblings an opportunity to express their feelings through discussion, play activities and expressive art therapy. At the end of the day, their parents are invited to a show-and-tell to listen to their children present their art projects, which are representative of themselves and their family.

“It’s amazing to watch the transformation,” said Donohue. “They start the day very apprehensive, and at the end of the day, you see their body posture is different; they look more confident.”

“What they learn is that they are not alone, that there are other children who share similar feelings and experiences,” said McHugh. “And, they know they count for something.”

Summer 2008 camp dates

Allison Donohue, recreation therapist, CTRS/CCLS,
and two Sibling Day Camp participants create
garden pavers representing their familes.

Registration is now open for siblings of patients who are currently receiving treatment in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Camp dates are Wednesday, July 9 (siblings aged six-10 years), and Wednesday, July 16 (siblings aged 11-16 years), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about this free camp, please contact Tommi McHugh at 720-777-6308 or Allison Donohue at 720-777-5617.