Press Release

1. IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2015
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PRESS RELEASE
Camp Connects Celebrates 15 Years of Connecting Maryland Siblings
Baltimore County, Maryland —June 23 to 28, Camp Connect, celebrates 15 years of reuniting
siblings separated in foster care. This year, 22 sibling groups ranging in age from six to 18,
representing eight jurisdictions will be reunited at a week-long overnight camp in rural,
northern Maryland. The camp began in 2000 by a group of volunteers working with the
Baltimore County Department of Social Services (BCDSS).
“All too often, when children enter foster care, they lose not just their mother and father, but
brothers and sisters as well,” said Mark Millspaugh, Deputy Director of the BCDSS. “Camp
Connect reunites Maryland siblings separated in foster care for a week of new experiences, fun
and a bit of adventure.”
Modeled after Camp to Belong, a camp and sibling advocacy program based in Colorado, Camp
Connect’s goal is to cultivate life-long positive memories, according to Judith Schagrin, Assistant
Director for Children’s Services BCDSS and unofficial Camp Director.
“We aim for a week that promotes sibling bonds and offers new, memorable experiences for
family members,” said Schagrin. “We hope these important memories far outlast their stay in
our foster care system.”
Campers are grouped by sibling groups not ages. The “counselors,” are all volunteers, including
caseworkers, attorneys and administrations who hail from agencies and organizations dedicated
to the welfare of children. They are routinely joined by former campers, who return repeatedly
to donate their time as counselors.
Activities include horseback riding, biking, tubing, swimming, arts and crafts, campfires, field
trips to places such as Hershey Park and evening entertainment that includes a professional
juggler, learning African dancing and more.

2. Schagrin said the best way to get a sense of the camp is to attend it. She welcomes members
of the media to visit and former campers are available for interviews. Or, you could get a sense
by the attached artwork and the comments of a camper, nicknamed Fatz.
“At the final night’s evening campfire, we asked each camper to share how they felt about the
week. One of the most touching was Fatz, who thanked the staff, not just for the time he spent
with his sisters, but for something he thought he’d never have again…the chance to be a child.”
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The Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) promotes well-being among individuals and families by providing quality
health, housing and social services. Along with an administrative unit, HHS is comprised of the Departments of Health and Social Services. The
HHS headquarters is in the Drumcastle Government Center, 6401 York Road. For more information, go to:
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/hhs/index.html.