2012 Camp Directors: Sharon Kahn-Miller, Candy Pruett, Marne Gulley
We are thrilled to say that the first Domestic Adoption Camp in the summer of 2011 was a great success! We had 80 participants at our first camp, including families from as far away as Texas and California, plus many from right here in Colorado, wonderful counselors who were all adoptees themselves, and workshop presenters and teachers who gave children and parents the opportunity to learn, share, and bond together. Our weekend was full of fun and games, and bouncy castles, but also great opportunities to share the experience of being adopted for the kids, and being adoptive parents for the adults. The weekend culminated in delightful theatrical performances by the kids - a "commercial" that celebrated adoption and adoptive families! That was what the weekend was all about. The families were diverse, had open adoptions and closed adoptions, adopted from social services and from private adoption agencies, and through foster-adopt programs, so the stories were endless, yet everyone felt this was just the beginning for this wonderful camp experience!
Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families developed this camp for families with children who have been adopted domestically, and who may not be of a different race or culture than their adoptive parents. Though we have been serving domestically adopted children for many years at our African Caribbean and our Latin American Heritage Camps, those are specifically for children of color whose parents are not generally of the same ethnicity. Therefore, we provide that important way for adopted children to build their ethnic identity with children and families “just like theirs,” and with an involved and supportive ethnic community.
However, time and time again, families who attend one of our other ten Heritage camps, tell us that the adoption piece of their child’s identity is as important and in need of recognition as their cultural identity. EVERY adopted child comes with a heritage, a background, and an identity that is not the exact same as their adoptive parents. In the 20 years we have been providing Heritage Camps, we have found this difference to be a true gift for families, and one that should be celebrated and explored together. Without question, this first camp revealed how important recognizing and finding ways to talk about and celebrate adoption is vital for adoptive families. As one mom put it, "now my child has friends from this camp he knows get it - being adopted."
It is often said, “how can you know where you are going if you don’t know where you came from?” The mission of our newly formed Domestic Adoption Camp was to provide an unprecedented place for families to learn, share, gain support, and celebrate adoption with each other. Experts in the field of adoption and adoptive child development were invited to speak with parents, and with older teens. Through art, music, movement, play, team building, outdoor activities, and more, children from the age of 3 to 18 joyfully explored and celebrated being adopted, therefore building self-esteem and confidence. The HCAF staff and families, counselors, and speakers who came ot our first year all agree - this mission was met, and we have tons of great ideas for years to come!
Camp planning for this 2012 will be underway soon. Watch this site for updates on the theme, guest presenters, workshops, and activities are solidified.
We hope to see you at camp in July. For further information, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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