Local non-profit Promises2Kids is dedicated to creating a brighter future for foster children® in San Diego County who have been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect through no fault of their own. With the community’s support, Promises2Kids provides the hope, support, and opportunities foster children need to change their lives for the better now and for years to come.
Their Camp Connect program reunites brothers and sisters who are separated and living apart in foster care. Through monthly visits, group outings, and a summer camp, siblings have opportunities to see one another, maintain their bonds, and just have fun together being kids.
Recently, 53 Camp Connect siblings felt the call of the wild as they stayed overnight at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. This unique experience gave children the chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals and spend a rare night together with their brothers and sisters.
Campers got ready for evening activities as they put on their jackets and their new animal beanies. The animal beanies as the takeaway gift were a hit! The kids showed their emotions with the ears. When they were happy, they would make them flutter by squeezing the paws which made the ears move.
They explored the park all afternoon, then rotated between taking the nighttime tram ride, a nighttime guided walking tour, and a smores campfire. The night calmed down with a game of bingo and a raffle before settling into bed.
In the morning, children got to hear just how early lions wake up as the roars echoed across the park before sunrise. The adventure continued with a private wildlife presentation and campers got up close and personal with an armadillo, a porcupine, an exotic bird, and more.
Among the group was brother and sister, Walker (12) and Reese (10). They have been regulars at Camp Connect events for a while, but this year it has been a challenge for them to get together. They entered care in due to abuse and neglect 2021 and started attending events shortly after to keep each other as a consistent presence in their lives. Due to circumstances beyond their control, they have been separately moved around several times.
Though both had noticeably grown in maturity and independence apart from each other, some things never change. They were almost immediately in each other’s arms upon arriving. Walker and Reese rarely left each other throughout the whole weekend, waving at each other with the ears on their beanies, spotting animals together, and just being themselves together.
It was a wild trip filled with priceless memories for Walker, Reese, and many siblings like them.
With the community’s support, siblings like Walker and Reese will have more opportunities to reconnect and create more memories to replace those they would rather forget.
To donate, volunteer, or for more ways to get involved, visit Promises2Kids.org.
