With summer in full swing, parenting an ill child and their well siblings can prove to be a challenge. How do you balance doctors appointments and long hours at the clinic with the yearning to enjoy the pleasures of summer? When school ends, parents may feel more pressure to maintain some structure and provide activities for siblings to engage in, while being cognizant that their ill child may feel  left out if they can’t enjoy BBQs or camp programs because they are more susceptible to becoming sick.  Read below to help with tips/ideas/resources to find  that sweet spot of activities that allow ill children and siblings to enjoy together that are safe but still a whole lot of fun. 

Summer Camps

There are a variety of summer camps for children that are ill and their siblings. They provide medical staff and are flexible with enrollment, knowing things can change daily with someone that is ill. Some are day camps and provide daily transportation. Some are week-long overnight camps, for children and parents! Camps are a great form of structure and connect kids that are in similar situations!  All are free. Check out their websites …

Camp Sunrise – Day Camp June 27 to August 15
Ages 3 ½ to 16
Pearl River NY, Longs Island NY, Staten Island NY
https://www.sunriseassociation.org

The Hole in the Wall Gang – Day Camp, Sleep Away  and Retreats
All ages and families
Ashford ,CT
https://www.holeinthewallgang.org

Camp Adventure – Sleepaway August 19 to  August 25th
Ages 6-18 
Shelter Island, NY
https://kidsneedmore.org/how-we-help/camp-adventure/

Camp Rising Sun – Week long sleep away camp August to August 23
Ages 5-15
Colebrook, CT
http://www.camprisingsun.com/

Community Resources

Your town has resources that are made for you to enjoy! These are great opportunities for siblings to have fun together or in small groups.

Libraries- have a variety of free programs and also have Free Museum Passes for entire families to visit aquariums, museums and national landmarks.

• Check with your local library or Barnes and Noble for a summer reading program- they often have incentives and prizes

Urban Park Rangers and State Parks – provide recreational activities for families including hikes and wildlife management 

https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/rangers

Family Fun Nights

With the chaos and uncertainty that often comes with a serious illness, opportunities to truly connect as a family are salve for the soul. Here are some of our favorite suggestions…

A Good old fashioned movie night – Share a nostalgic classic from your childhood or even a movie marathon. Remember that show “Dinner and a movie?” Take some inspiration from the show and try out a theme.  Does your child love Disney princesses or superheroes? Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Whip up a snack or meal to complement the film, dress up like the characters, duel with light sabers (or craft them) between movies, 

Cooking Contest Night – Choose 3 random ingredients and each family member must include each in their dish. Rate each dish and choose an ultimate chef!

Get Creative – Sidewalk Chalk Painting- Use old sidewalk chalk, crumble it up, place it in muffin tins, add water and you have side walk chalk paint! Paint on driveways and sidewalks! Make friendship bracelets, create family portraits together or come up with your own family crest or motto.

Camp Out at Home – Take a tent or pitch some sheets up in the backyard or in the living room.  Break out the flashlights and a book with silly scary stories to share.  Don’t forget the snacks!

 Photo Shoot – Be a little silly and play dress up! Hair, makeup, old Halloween costumes…  Have kids dress adults and adults dress the kids. Be sure to take photos!

Read together – Snuggles and bedtime stories are some of the best moments of parenthood and childhood. Take it up a notch and form a family book club. 

Create a  summer wish list together – This is a great way to think creatively as a team. You may be surprised at how many thighs you can still do together.

Don’t forget the sunscreen and stay hydrated. We hope your summer is filled with sunny days, firefly filled nights,  popsicles and roasted marshmallows, and the all simple pleasures of a summer well spent.