Siblings and relatives, living separately, reconnect at Cowabunga Bay Water Park

At Cowabunga Bay Water Park, Marilyn Bazaldua (age 17) and her younger two brothers and sister (who live in three separate foster care homes between the four of them) along with their two cousins, were able to catch up on their lives, create happy memories, and enjoy the water park’s attractions.
The stay-at-home order has been especially difficult for the brothers and sisters that live in different foster care homes in our community. But St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and Cowabunga Bay have figured out a way for the children to get to spend some time together with safety protocols in place.
Normally, there would be a group of up to 100 brothers and sisters who live in separate foster care homes to get together in one large group. But with the current health concerns, the charity and water park pivoted and have invited the sibling groups to come on different days of their choice throughout the month and enjoy the park with smaller intimate family groups.
The sibling groups are comprised of children, teens, and young adults that have been separated in the community foster care system with few mandated chances to see each other throughout the year. This will bring them together to spend critical time together reconnecting and creating memories all while having fun in the sun.
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children’s Sibling Preservation Program helps preserve the critical sibling bond for brothers and sisters separated in foster care by providing opportunities for them to spend time together and build on their relationship throughout the year. For more information, visit stjudesranch.org/our-programs.