Domestic Adoption Camp
Celebrate Adoption, Build Community
At Domestic Adoption Camp (DAC) adoptees ages 3 through adulthood and their families come together to explore their heritage and celebrate adoption. While adoptees connect through shared identity and experience—finding belonging, affirmation, and building identity together —parents find connection, understanding, and support, as the entire camp celebrates community and carries the spirit of camp with them long after camp ends.
This camp welcomes adopted and fostered children and teens, from all racial and cultural backgrounds, born anywhere in the United States, and their families.
A Family Experience
While centered on adoptees, DAC is a true family experience. Parents and adult adoptees join their own workshops and connect with others who share similar journeys, while non-adopted siblings are welcome and enjoy fun activities with peers and deepen their understanding of adoption and culture. Spouses, partners, and children of adult adoptees are warmly welcomed. All extended family members—grandparents, aunts, and uncles are also included—making camp a meaningful experience for everyone who shares in the story.
Camp Info
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- Camp Dates: July 16-19, 2026
- Location: YMCA of the Rockies-Estes Park, CO
- Registration opens January 15, 2026
- Camp Registration will remain open until May 16, 2026, based on space available.
- After May 16, a $50 fee for late registration will be assessed, and our group lodging block will become open to the public, so subject to availability.
Celebrate. Connect. Belong
At Doemstic Adoption Camp, we honor campers born in the u.s. as we joyfully celebrating their adoption journey. Adoptees ages 3 through adulthood connect across generations, share adoption experiences, and find role models and mirrors who help foster confidence, belonging, and pride in who they are.
Adoption itself is a unique culture, and this camp celebrates both heritage and the culture of adoption. Together, adopted children, families, and adult adoptees thrive, connect, and celebrate in a vibrant, supportive community, because at camp, everyone belongs.
Child & Teen Connections
Our counselors, presenters, and performers—including many adult adoptees and community volunteers—bring authentic cultural experiences to life for all ages of adoptees and their family members. From identity crafts, story telling improvisation, interactive science, and outdoor adventures, every activity is meant to build lasting friendships among campers.
Family Connections
From shared meals and activities to cultural workshops and performances, plus excellent workshops relevant to raising adopted children/teens and beyond for parents, families build lasting bonds while immersing in the vital camp culture that makes every moment memorable for the entire family.
Adult Adoptee Connections
Adult adoptees enjoy workshops, discussions, and cultural programs designed for their journeys. Returning year after year, they mentor younger campers, form lifelong friendships, and keep the spirit of camp alive—proving that camp never truly ends.
Adoption itself is a unique culture, and this camp celebrates both heritage and the culture of adoption. Together, adopted children, families, and adult adoptees thrive, connect, and celebrate in a vibrant, supportive community.
“The impact this camp had on my son was watching him interact with the other kids as if they’d always been best friends, and to see him getting more comfortable with what it means to be adopted.”
Learn More
We know attending Domestic Adoption Camp can take real effort—time, sometimes travel, and financial resources. But families tell us the return is powerful. Which leads to the question we hear often:
Why Dometsic Adoption Camp?
DAC offers something many families don’t find elsewhere: a space where adoptees are centered, parents are supported, and everyone belongs. Families come to camp to learn, to listen, and to grow together—leaving with deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and a community that continues well beyond camp.
Whether it’s your first time at camp or a long-standing tradition, you’ll leave connected, affirmed, and strengthened by community.
How To Stay Connected
- Join our mailing list for updates about camp programming, guest presenters, and activities.
- For further information or to inquire about financial assistance opportunities, click here.
- ‘Like’ Domestic Adoption Camp on Facebook to stay connected.
Our Top Level Sponsors
Sponsoring Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families (HCAF) is more than philanthropy — it’s a bold statement of your commitment to identity, inclusion, and lifelong belonging. Thank you very much for your sustaining contribution.