The painting rests against a table after a full day of connection and creativity. Three distinct panels collectively made by more than 30 artists from Camp Catch-Up’s inaugural Winter Camp. Each circle within the panels reflects the memories of the artist’s time at Camp Catch-Up.
At first glance, you see the individual circles painted with smiley faces, campfires, trees, flowers, and breathtaking sunsets. Upon closer inspection, you realize that there are three separate paintings, that connect to make one larger painting. When the paintings are set in close physical proximity, you see the two halves of a heart becoming one, two separate hands embracing, and two halves of a home becoming whole.
This painting has meaning. It was one of the activities at Camp Catch-Up’s Winter Camp—an event designed for sibling groups separated due to foster care placements. Camp Catch-Up serves as a reunion, offering a chance to rekindle the bonds strained by distance and circumstances.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Mahoney State Park in December, this gathering offered sibling groups a plethora of activities to participate in—some navigate the play gym while others lace up their ice skates, embracing the joyful spirit of the season.
As you enter the rock-climbing area, your attention is immediately drawn to Micah as he effortlessly scales to the top. Below him are his two brothers, Luis and Hector, and a group of friends formed through years of shared camp experiences cheer him on. Their camaraderie seems effortless, but the truth is far from that. Separated due to various foster care placements, some sibling groups rarely have the chance to see each other outside of Camp Catch-Up.
One poignant reflection from a young boy, whose life was uprooted at a tender age, encapsulates the essence of this struggle: “When we enter foster care, we lose everything. Our moms or dads, where we lived… everything is just so unfamiliar. But having your sibling there is what you need to move forward in life.”
In the tumultuous landscape of foster care, where children are often separated from their siblings, the fractures in these familial bonds can take a heavy toll. This rift, though physically enforced, transcends into the mental and emotional spheres, impacting the holistic well-being of these children. Amidst this turbulence, Camp Catch-Up emerges as a place of hope, rekindling, and nurturing sibling relationships, offering a haven where children can reconnect, find solace, and simply be themselves.
Fostering Quiet Moments of Reconnection
The Winter Camp isn’t just about physical activities; it’s about fostering quieter moments and reconnection. Campers engage in ornament-making, jewelry crafting, and a new tradition – gift-giving—a special moment fostering warmth and connection.
“Many people helped make this event a success, we had five event planners, and over 20 volunteers, and countless individuals who donated funds and items for our gift giving activity,” said Jennifer Monroe of Nebraska Children, one of the event planners. “The children then hand-picked a gift for their sibling. This made for a very personalized gift giving experience. We are very grateful to our Camp Catch-Up supporters.”
Campers Choice
This is heard time and time again from campers. Camp Catch-Up puts the decision-making into the hands of the campers. Together in their family groups, they decide what activities to partake in. For some sibling groups, it’s the physical activities as Violet and Jordyn bond over ice skating, and for others, it’s the quiet decorating of cookies in the lodge.
“We offer the kids a variety of options to participate in, but it is up to them on what they want to choose as far as activities. So often, these kids have not had a say in their situation. Camp Catch-Up offers a place for them to choose what they want to do.” – Mona Tarin, Camp Director.
A Time Free of Expectations, Full of Authenticity
Not only do campers select their activities at camp, they also experience the freedom to truly be themselves. Within their sibling groups, all expectations are lifted, allowing them to authentically express who they are and just as importantly, truly get to know who their siblings are. Upon arrival, campers embark on a day of fun, partnered with a camp counselor who will be there to support the groups as needed. Ultimately, the decisions of the day are made by the campers as foster and adoptive parents often depart, granting the children space to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Jami Biodrowski, a vital part of the Parent Advisory Board, highlights the pivotal role Camp Catch-Up plays in reuniting siblings. For Bennett, Camp Catch-Up has allowed him to forge a bond with his sister, creating cherished memories devoid of external pressures or anxieties.
“Being separated from your sibling is hard.” Jami describes, “You don’t always think about the impact of the separation. But one time at school, they were working on a project where they described their family. Without Camp Catch-Up, I don’t think Bennet would have been able to truly talk about his sister. Simple things like her favorite color or hobbies. Camp Catch-Up makes a difference.”
Paying It Forward
Great opportunities for the campers don’t happen without an invested staff and many volunteers. Many of the camp staff are previous campers who come back to give to an event that meant so much to them growing up.
Camp medic Linda embraces her role at camp. She ensures their physical safety but also fosters a nurturing environment for campers. She is not just a staff member, she is an advocate, providing the guidance and empathy she received as a camper herself. Now as an EMT, she utilizes her medical experience to be the camp medic. She expressed the importance of giving back and volunteering so that kids can keep coming and Camp Catch-Up can expand.
Next, Matthew bustles in with the campers under his watch, straight from the brisk walk from the ice-skating rink. With several years of pairing with each camper in his group, he’s become akin to a seasoned older brother, familiar with everyone in his group. Matthew’s evolution from camper to counselor encapsulates the essence of Camp Catch-Up. Now a member of the Iowa Reserves, his steadfast dedication to advocating for foster children mirrors the community’s united spirit, nurturing hope and spreading joy.
In the main activity room, Shayla, a seasoned camp counselor, is encircled by older teenage girls, delighting in capturing selfies and instant camera shots. Despite her soft-spoken demeanor, the campers reveal that the key to being a respected counselor lies in a blend of kindness and firmness. They hold Shayla in high regard, not just as a counselor but as a friend.
More Than Crafts and Activities
Camp Catch-Up stands more than a weekend retreat; it’s a sanctuary where children rekindle sibling bonds, create lasting memories, and find their voice in a world where control and stability often seem elusive. It’s a testament to resilience, empathy, and the belief that every child deserves the solace of family connections.
Just as the panels in the painting, each is beautiful on its own, but when they are all physically put together, you see the half-complete images coming together into something much bigger, symbols of stability – a home, belonging, and love.
All About Camp Catch-Up
Camp Catch-Up was started by Nebraska Children and Families Foundation in 2003 to offer youth in foster care, guardianship, or adoptive placements a no-cost opportunity to spend quality time with their brothers and sisters. These kids, ages 8-19, meet up with their siblings in a relaxed and fun summer camp environment where they can take a break from the stresses of everyday life.
The event coordinators plan to expand the event in upcoming years. If you are interested in supporting the winter celebration, or other Camp Catch-Up activities, visit CampCatch-Up.org/Donate.
Nebraska Children’s mission is to create positive change for Nebraska’s children through community engagement.
Growing the Good Life 
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