September 2021

I don't know about you but it was wonderful to be back in person! So many of us were feeling grateful to gather outside with friends we haven't seen in ages. Plus we got to make some new friends. What a win-win!

After we greeted for the first time in 18 months, we gathered to create unique Sibshops nametags. These self portrait name tags are called Facetags. Our Sibshoppers are awesome at drawing creative likenesses of themselves.

Following a quick discussion of our Sibshops rules & expectations, introductions were most definitely in order! We spent some great time getting to know one another better.

After sitting for some time we needed to get up and moving and "Hula Hoop Showdown" helped us do just that. This fun team racing game incorporates "Rock, Paper, Scissors" as you try and get one member of your team all the way across the hoop pathway to the opposite teams end for a victory. This may have been the longest round played in all of history! As one team neared the finish line they would be defeated in the showdown and have to start back at the beginning. We enjoyed both a little exercise and some laughter as our Sibshoppers tried to hop their way to victory.

"Wheel of Feelings" provides an opportunity for our Sibshoppers to reflect on and share some times in their lives when they have experienced strong emotions in their relationship with their sibling with special needs. They toss a beanbag onto the wheel and then can share a time they have felt that way. The great thing about Sibshops is that there are always kids who "get it." 

We were way to busy feeding our hunger to take photos but I assure you we downed a tasty lunch! Then we played the classic Sibshops game called "Islands." It's a fun version of the more laid back game "Musical Chairs." In this version you are required to bust a move on the dance floor while the music is playing and when it stops find a paper plate Island on which to stand before it is occupied by another dancer. These Sibshoppers showed off some seriously awesome dance moves. 

We love providing opportunities for the Sibshoppers to get to know one another one on one or in small groups. Completing the "Strengths and Weaknesses" handouts let us do just that. Each Sibshopper paired off with another and they spent about 10 minutes interviewing one another. They got to ask one another questions about their own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of their sibling with special needs.

Septembers Sibshop concluded with a popsicle and a story about  how being different is okay and often is totally awesome.

What was totally and 100% awesome was hanging out together at Sibshops.  

We can't wait to do it again.

See you in October!