Last year's theme, "Feliz Decimo Aniversario" certainly set the camp with a festive feel to celebrate our 10th year anniversary. Our keynote presentation was a panel of three young adult Latino adoptees who shared various aspects of their lives, including how it was being raised in a transracial family. This panel was facilitated by Astrid Dabbeni, a transracial adoption specialist who returned to camp for her second year.

 

Mercedes Hammer once again taught dances to the middle and high schoolers, and performed during the fiesta. 102 families came from all across the country to celebrate adoption, culture and Latin American food. There were old friends to re-connect with and new friends to make. As one of our original parent participants says, "This is the place you go where you don't have to explain your family to anyone." The days were full for everyone!

The energetic counselors, some themselves Latin American adoptees, and other young adults including those from the local Latin American community committed to sharing their culture, were as always, one of the highlights of camp. Camp’s opening ceremony is always very moving as you see your children parading in behind their birth country’s flag along with everyone else born in the same country. We had the privilege of being entertained by larger than life size puppets who performed for us as well.

Preschool and elementary aged kids spent their time with peers and counselors and decorated ponchos in the Village and also made Mexican rag dolls. The elementary aged kids took part in storytelling and creative drama. They had fun learning Spanish through songs and art projects and also played soccer and either danced or played mini golf. We continued with “HeART Talks” for elementary school aged children, focusing on adoption related issues that were geared towards giving them the tools they need to become healthy, happy adults!

Middle school and high school campers had the opportunity to create wall decorations for an orphanage in Paraguay during their “More Than Me” session at camp. They also donated enough funds to buy a pair of shoes for every child living at this orphanage. Now that’s something to celebrate! These preteens/teens also had a choice between participating in a discussion of “Growing Up Adopted” or “Growing Up Latino”. Opportunities like learning how to play the pan flute with Inca Son; salsa dancing with Mercedes; making an omelet with Margie Rodriquez; canoeing, zip lining, or playing soccer are just a few classes these middle/high schoolers got to choose from. Parents, too, were provided with a wide variety of workshops.

The 5 round table discussions were titled: preteen/teen issues; adopting older children; what about birth fathers?; raising adopted and birth children together; and being an advocate for you child in the schools. The cooking classes taught again this year by Margie Rodriquez filled up very quickly. Other workshops included transracial parenting, learning styles, developing Latino/a self esteem, Latinos in the suburbs as well as hiking or making traditional handicrafts. Everyone got together for yummy Latin American lunches in the park. On Friday night root beer floats were provided for everyone.

Later, the middle school kids had fun in a jungle adventure while the high schoolers had special time taking a short hike and hanging out with Inca Son. Many middle school and high school parents watched a documentary film about adoption with a lively discussion facilitated by Astrid.

Our Market was filled with crafts from all over Latin America, and memorabilia from soccer balls to flags that celebrate your child’s country of origin. There was also an assortment of adult and children’s books on topics ranging from adoption to Latin American fiction to the arts

Closing Ceremony included a beautiful slide show put to music which captured much of the celebration of the weekend with joy, friendship and culture. For those who are old hands at camp, 2008 will have more wonderful, festive entertainmentas we did in 2007 with Inca Son along with some new activities as well! And for new families, consider coming and trying out this camp. We doubt you will be disappointed. We hope you can join us for another spectacular camp in 2008! .