Foster siblings reconnect for camping retreat

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – About 100 foster youth went to camp in Julian Thursday morning to reconnect with their siblings, according to the county of San Diego.

The campers for one reason or another were unable to be placed in the same foster home as their brothers or sisters. The county, which runs the foster system, says it tries to keep siblings together, but can’t always do so.

“I’m personally the father of five adopted foster kids, and to see the smiles on these kids faces and the excitement that they’re going through, to really spend time at summer camp — I remember when I used to get to go to summer camp when I was a lot younger and all the great activities,” said Supervisor Dave Roberts at a send-off event in Kearny Mesa.

Greg Cox, the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, also attended the send-off.

The county said the campers will strengthen family bonds over four days by rock wall climbing, swimming, hiking, archery, scrapbooking, horseback riding, a talent show and dancing.

Camp Connect is funded by a partnership of the county Health and Human Services Agency, the nonprofit Promises2Kids and the Rivers of Hope Foundation — the charity of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and his wife, Tiffany.