Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families

Formed in 1992, Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families supports loving families created by adoption. HCAF lifts up adopted children through proven and structured programs that support strong identity formation. Our nine distinct, yet connected camps, promote healthy, confident and well-grounded adoptees who are proud of their unique families and their heritage.

HCAF also connects adoptive families to a larger community “just like themselves,” regardless of international or domestic adoption. HCAF families celebrate shared experiences, bond over unique life challenges, and forge new opportunities for growth and development, together.

More Than An Annual Vacation!

HCAF camps are rooted in social integration and positive building of self-esteem. When you come to camp, you’ll find dedicated and trained counselors, helpful volunteers and families just like yours.

More than just an annual vacation, HCAF fosters meaningful connections with other adoptive families and cultural communities that last forever.  Families have been attending camp for more than 30 years! 

Plus, family members of all ages benefit from the expertise of professionals skilled in identity development, complex trauma, art therapy, and more. That’s coupled with fun and engaging activities that support relationship building not just between children, but parents too. 

Many of our workshop presenters are also adoptees. They bridge their professional expertise with their personal experiences. That deepens the understanding of the unique strengths and challenges of every adoptive family.

Bridging Culture and Community

Every camp connects adoptive families with authentic cultural experiences, and provides positive representations that lift-up and celebrate a child’s birth culture. HCAF facilitates fun, age-appropriate and hands-on activities across all camps from elementary school through post college. Plus, our counselors and presenters are very often from adoptees’ birth cultures. Many are adoptees themselves. Every one is trained to support transcultural and transracial adoptive families from all backgrounds. 

Bottom line: Adoptees will learn from presenters and counselors that look like they do, while bonding with fellow campers and families who share similar life experiences.