OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Sibling Camp Weekends

A unique respite from a unique experience.

Cancer diagnoses affect the entire family in different ways. Brothers and sisters are thrust into a role that provides support, comfort, normalcy. But they also endure their own range of feelings, emotions and pressures along the way, and sometimes feel they’re in the background given everything happening around them. Sibling Camp Weekends are just for them – providing time away to feel extra special and bond with others having similar experiences. Who could deserve a few days of freedom, fun and new friends more?

Sibling Camp volunteers are the same incredible people who staff our summer camp programs.

Why Camp Sunshine’s Sibling Camp

After attending Camp Sunshine, campers bring home more than dirty laundry. They bring home memories and friendships. They bring home stories of achievements that once seemed unattainable (climbing wall, anyone?). They come home more confident in themselves and more secure in their illness. It is amazing how one week at Camp Sunshine can truly make a difference in their lives.

Sibling Camp Survey

said they had an excellent or good time

98%

reported that they would recommend sibling camp to other siblings

96%

reported that they made new friends or reconnected with familiar friends

96%

Jamie Ekstrom, M.Ed | Program Director

Jamie first attended Camp Sunshine as a teen camper and now returns as member of our team. He has experience in camp management, working at our partner camp, Camp Twin Lakes, prior to joining our staff.

Sibling Camp Information

Application Process

Sibling Camp is available to campers ages 7 – 18.
Sibling Camp is NOT for the patient camper, just the siblings.
Siblings can attend until their patient sibling graduates from our program at 18.
All programs are offered at no cost to our families.
CampSite – We use CampSite for all Overnight Camp programs. When you click register, you’ll be directed to CampSite to create a login. This account will be used to register your camper for programs and manage your registrations.
Applications for campers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with precedent given to new campers or those currently on therapy.
If you have questions about Summer Camp, please contact our Camp Director at 404-325-7979.

Location and Activities

All Camp Sunshine overnight camping programs take place at Camp Twin Lakes–Rutledge East, a fully accessible facility 50 miles east of Atlanta.
Surrounded by peaceful countryside, it features air-conditioned cabins and a welcoming space where campers and families can thrive.
Campers enjoy classic camp activities like swimming, archery, horseback riding, zip lining, arts & crafts, fishing, canoeing, and more.

Volunteers and Medical Staff

With a 1:2 ratio of counselors to campers
Each program also includes a 24-hour on-site medical facility staffed by experienced pediatric professionals from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, ensuring campers receive the care they need without leaving camp.

For Parents / Guardians

BEFORE CAMP:

Have a positive and encouraging attitude about camp.
Talk with your child about what to expect during the weekend, including activities, meals, and spending time with other siblings.
Give gentle encouragement and remind your child that it’s okay to feel nervous or miss home.
Avoid phrases such as, “If you don’t like it, we’ll come pick you up right away,” which may create additional anxiety.
Remind your child that camp staff and counselors are there to support them and help if they need anything.
Encourage your child to be open to trying new activities and meeting new friends.

AFTER CAMP:

Ask about their favorite activities, new friends, counselors, and what they’ve enjoyed most.
Reassure your child that you are excited to hear about their weekend and proud of them for trying something new.
Celebrate their independence and the fun experiences they had at camp!