Sandy Feet Initiative
PROGRAMS
Sandy Feet Initiative Sibcamp
Beach centered week long camps for siblings of children with special needs, ages 7-13, in San Diego, San Clemente and Huntington Beach, CA. Sibcamps follow the Sibshop model designed by our partner, the Sibling Support Project, and include a mix of beach activities, expressive art projects, emotional processing through guided journaling and discussions, and community building. With a focus on building relationships, sessions are intentionally small with just 15 youths, allowing for in-depth connections and lasting friendships. From ocean conservation initiatives and beach clean-ups, to group games, yoga, surfing, and boogie boarding, SFI's programs provide a well-rounded experience for Siblings.
Our carefully tailored programs to recognize and guide Siblings of children with special needs through their lifelong challenges, offering a carefree environment for them to build meaningful connections and develop coping skills. A majority of participants improve their ability to communicate, have heightened mental and emotional health, and make lasting friendships. Families are also strengthened as social-emotional learning allows participants to foster stronger relationships among family members, develop empathy and positive emotions toward their brother/sister, and better understand their needs.
From our most recent parent survey, 83% of parent feedback reported improved well-being of their children and less concern about their emotional health, and 100% of respondents reported increased empathy and positive emotions of their child toward his/her brother or sister with special needs.
Sandy Feet Initiative Afterschool Sibcamp
Sandy Feet offers after school programs at the beach in the fall and spring. These 8 week programs give the kids a weekly break from all that is their home life. We currently offer camps in San Diego, San Clemente and Huntington Beach. The programs follow the SibShop model designed by our partner, the Sibling Support Project, and include a mix of beach activities, expressive art projects, emotional processing through guided journaling and discussions, and community building. With a focus on building relationships, sessions are intentionally small with just 15 youths, allowing for in-depth connections and lasting friendships. From ocean conservation initiatives and beach clean-ups, to group games, yoga, surfing, and boogie boarding, SFI's programs provide a well-rounded experience for Siblings.
Our carefully tailored programs to recognize and guide Siblings of children with special needs through their lifelong challenges, offering a carefree environment for them to build meaningful connections and develop coping skills. A majority of participants improve their ability to communicate, have heightened mental and emotional health, and make lasting friendships. Families are also strengthened as social-emotional learning allows participants to foster stronger relationships among family members, develop empathy and positive emotions toward their brother/sister, and better understand their needs.
From our most recent parent survey, 83% of parent feedback reported improved well-being of their children and less concern about their emotional health, and 100% of respondents reported increased empathy and positive emotions of their child toward his/her brother or sister with special needs.
Sandy Feet Initiative Sibteens
Sandy Feet Initiative sponsors weekly programs for Teenagers, ages 14 and up, where they learn coping skills, meet other teens like them, have a safe place to share their feelings and learn to surf all at the same time!
Children who are the brothers and sisters of children with special needs will learn coping skills, create friendships with others "just like them," and have a safe place to share their hopes, dreams and fears.
Many teens become volunteers in the younger program, well-qualified to support youth facing similar challenges, and some have even become Camp Facilitator Leads, running the camps. These teens have shown natural leadership skills as well as a natural approach to connecting with the kids because they understand the unique experiences and challenges they face having a sibling with special needs.
Because the majority of our volunteers (about 90%) are related to individuals with special needs, disabilities, or chronic illnesses, Sandy Feet creates a community of individuals who can relate to and empathize with the youth they serve. This unique approach creates a self-sustaining community that has its own momentum, as participants are motivated to give back and help younger generations as they were supported through the program.
Sandy Feet Young Adults
A Sibling Based monthly program to address the needs of our older Siblings, ages 18 and up.
We are offering this program to young adult siblings, as they have different needs than the Teens. Many are struggling with college, work and homelife issues.
CONTACT
Sandy Feet Initiative
647 Camino de los Mares
Suite 108-181
San Clemente, California 92672
Mo Langley
Phone: 7142063810