2013 Directors: Shannon Lawrence & Kathy McKnight
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What does African Caribbean Heritage Camp mean to your family?
(Survey responses from previous camp attendees)
“African/Caribbean Heritage Camp is about letting our children (and our whole family) be a part of something, of finding a place of belonging, and being so supported by everyone (other kids, families, and those awesome counselors!)”
“Our family has a chance to spend time together in a shared experience that focuses on our child's birth culture. Nothing is better than that!”
“I love the entire camp experience. I so value anything that will help my child develop a healthy identity. I also love anything that provides me with specific tools on how to deal with issues involving race.”
FOUR DAYS A SUMMER.....IMPACT FOR LIFE!
African/Caribbean Heritage Camp (ACHC) celebrates its 15th year in 2013 and remains one of the few camps of its kind in the country. Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families developed ACHC for families who adopted:
Every year at camp, we incorporate the roots of African culture into our programming for all ages, and have the pleasure of experiencing how these diverse and amazing histories make all of us who we are today. While we celebrate and strive to highlight the different birth countries of our campers, the similarities among adopted children of color in transracial families is what really bonds us. It is that connection — with other families, cultural heritage, the greater community, and role models — that makes a lasting difference.
We also spend time at camp exploring the unique gifts and challenges that come with our transracially adoptive families. We realize that, as our children grow, they will be dealing with issues faced by any child of color, no matter their country of birth. This is never more evident than the first day of camp, when children and parents alike experience that collective sigh of relief upon realizing that they are with a sea of families who are just like theirs. We also celebrate adoption as a culture of its own. There is no greater gift you can give your child (or yourself).
This year’s theme is “Telling Our Stories.” Every culture, every family, every person has stories to tell about how they came to be and who they are now. And together we create a new narrative as we weave together our unique experiences. Ubuntu — the African concept of identity: I am, because we are. We are, because I am — brings us together as a community where we can celebrate and validate our children’s unique and collective identities. In this spirit of togetherness, we invite you, your children (adopted as well as birth siblings are welcome), and your extended family to join us and share in an unforgettable camp experience.
We are in the exciting planning stages for ACHC 2013! Mark your calendars and plan to join us this summer! Watch this site for updates about guest presenters, workshops, and activities as they are confirmed. So far, some of the highlights include:
Saturday Ethiopian Heritage Day (new this year!) for families new to heritage camp
Thursday evening Opening Ceremonies and Meet-n-Greet Dinner
Saturday evening private pool party
Sunday Closing Ceremonies
We hope to see you at camp in June! For further information or to inquire about scholarship opportunities, please contact us.
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