Camp didn’t just change my summers.

My name is Yami and this is my journey with Sibling Connections.

As a young teenager, I was introduced to the organization when a kind member visited me and showed me a video about Camp Sibling Connections, formerly known as “Camp to Belong MA”. I was told that my siblings and I could spend a whole week together at a camp designed just for families like ours. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect, but I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of hope and excitement. One summer turned into many more, and each year brought new experiences, laughter, and memories that I will carry with me forever.

What started as a fun week away eventually grew into something much bigger. During my teenage years, I joined the youth leadership program, and later I became a camp volunteer staff member. One of the most rewarding experiences was being able to run a cabin with my sister, guiding and inspiring the young girls in our care. Being in that position allowed me to see the immediate impact of encouragement and support, and it showed me just how transformative this organization can be not just for campers, but for volunteers as well.

Before Sibling Connections became part of my life, my siblings and I rarely saw each other. Sometimes it would be an entire year between visits, and those gaps were difficult. Being given the opportunity to spend those precious weeks together allowed us to rebuild our bond in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We laughed, shared stories, and supported each other, and those experiences strengthened the connection that distance had tried to weaken.

Beyond my own siblings, the organization has allowed me to form meaningful relationships with other children who are going through similar situations. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone. I didn’t just have people around me; I had people who truly understood me. I reconnected with childhood friends I had lost touch with, built lifelong friendships, and found mentors who encouraged me to grow and give back. Sibling Connections created a safe, nurturing space where every child’s voice is heard and every story matters.

This organization has shaped who I am today. It taught me the value of family, the power of community, and the importance of giving back. Itshowed me that even in challenging circumstances, we can find joy, connection, and purpose. My journey with Sibling Connections has been a reminder that love, care, and togetherness can transform lives. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in this experience not just as a camper, but as a volunteer, a mentor, and a sister.

Camp didn’t just change my summers; it changed my life.