At the end of September, something very special happened. From the 29th of September – 1st of October, eleven siblings, aged 8–14, came together at CCC Camps Hawkesbury for our Stronger Sibs day camp.
For many of these children, it was the first time they had been surrounded by others who truly get it—other brothers and sisters of children with disabilities. The camp gave them space to talk openly, share experiences, and realise they are not alone in their journey.
Why Sibling Camps Matter
We know that being a sibling can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it can also feel challenging and sometimes isolating. Stronger Sibs was designed to:
- Help siblings build friendships and connections with each other
- Show them that they are not alone in their experiences
- Give them practical tools and coping strategies for the ups and downs of life at home and school
Most importantly, it gave siblings the chance to have fun, be themselves, and feel celebrated.
What the Kids Got Up To
Across the three days, the camp balanced meaningful conversations with big outdoor adventures.
The group joined in sessions like:
- Talking about similarities and differences with their siblings
- Exploring the challenges they face at home
- Understanding their emotions
- Problem-solving together and sharing tips with each other
- Brainstorming coping strategies
And in between these sessions? They were climbing rock walls, soaring on the flying fox, tackling bush initiatives, abseiling, playing laser tag, and trying archery. Watching the children cheer each other on, face fears, and celebrate their successes was a joy for everyone involved.
Highlights from Camp
There were so many moments that stood out:
- Opportunities where the kids connected with each other over soccer or their favourite games
- Brave siblings stepping up to try every single activity
- Kids encouraging one another in activities
- Beautiful sunshine, good food, and laughter
What Families and Kids Said
The feedback from both siblings and parents reminded us just how valuable these spaces are:
- “The chicken was better than KFC!” – Sibling
- “When is the overnight camp?” – Parent
- “So good combining tricky topics with big physical activities and challenging things that give the kids a boost of confidence.” – Parent
- “Such amazing insight from the siblings into their experiences.” – Staff
A Big Thank You
We couldn’t have done it without our wonderful facilitators Anne, Leoma and Rhyannah, along with the caring and supportive team at CCC Camps Hawkesbury.
We’re also so grateful to the Commbank Staff Foundation for their generosity, and to our STF staff for the passion and effort they poured into making this camp happen.
Looking Ahead
The camp left us feeling hopeful and excited. The siblings told us they can’t wait to come back—and we can’t wait to welcome them again. Our vision is to see Stronger Sibs grow bigger and better each year, offering more children the chance to connect, learn, and feel supported.
In the meantime, families can also find wonderful resources through Siblings Australia, who continue to provide guidance and support for siblings around the country.
Final Thought
Stronger Sibs wasn’t just a camp—it was a chance for children to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Watching them leave with new friends, new confidence, and the knowledge that they’re not alone was the true highlight of all.
