Healthy LifeStars
South Wood County

Welcome to UWSP Health LifeStars

Sibshops are events held for children who have siblings with special needs and chronic healthcare needs. Adult facilitators guide Sibshops where children, from 5 to 12 years old, enjoy games, activities and recreation mixed with open discussion time for support. It is a safe place for children to learn, explore and express their experience, what it’s like to have a sibling with special needs.

For the kids who attend them, Sibshops are pedal-to-the-metal events where they will meet other sibs (usually for the first time), have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn something about the services their brothers and sister receive, and have some more fun.

 

Sibshops Workshops

The Sibshops model mixes information and discussion activities with new games (designed to be unique, offbeat and appealing to a wide ability range) and special guests. There are currently more than 550 Sibshops across the United States, Canada and elsewhere. To learn where else in the world you can find a Sibshop, visit the Sibling Support Project, a national program dedicated to the concerns of brothers and sisters of people with special needs.
Sibling Support Project

Events

We are excited to host local events in Central Wisconsin!

April 24 – Marshfield (Photos)

FAQs

What are Sibshops? Who attends? Where can I find a Sibshop?

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Research

Over 90% of the respondents said Sibshops had a positive effect on the feelings they had for their siblings.

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Healthy LifeStars in Action

Three Healthy LifeStars program leaders stand in front of a gymnasium wall decorated with active lifestyle silhouettes.
Three student leaders stand together in a school gymnasium during a Healthy LifeStars program event.
Two UW-Stevens Point student volunteers pose together in a school gym during a Healthy LifeStars program session.
Four UW-Stevens Point student volunteers stand in a gymnasium preparing to lead activities for children participating in the Healthy LifeStars program.
Three UW-Stevens Point students stand outside a school building during a Healthy LifeStars program visit.
Children participate in an active movement game in a school gym while student volunteers lead the activity.
A child raises both arms while participating in an outdoor Healthy LifeStars activity on a school playground.
Participants stand at an outdoor activity station with cones and jump ropes set up on a school playground during a Healthy LifeStars program session.
Two UW-Stevens Point student volunteers pose under an outdoor shelter during a Healthy LifeStars activity session.
Children complete movement challenges using hula hoops and jump ropes on a chalk-marked playground during an outdoor Healthy LifeStars program activity.
Children participate in outdoor physical activity stations with jump ropes, hula hoops and chalk-marked courses on a school playground.
Children and UW-Stevens Point student volunteers gather under a park shelter near a playground during an outdoor Healthy LifeStars activity.
Four UW-Stevens Point student volunteers pose together inside a school activity room during the Healthy LifeStars program.
UW-Stevens Point student volunteers and elementary-age children sit around tables discussing activities during a Healthy LifeStars program session.

Contact Us

Email UWSP Sibshops
Profile Photo: Tami Swenson

Tami Swenson

  • Legacy Endowed Professor of Population Health
B133 Science Building
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