At Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, we place high value on the experiences and perspectives of adoptees. The involvement of adult adoptees are an integral part of us achieving our mission. Each year, we hear from countless adult adoptees who emphasize the importance of maintaining connections with fellow adoptees and with their cultural community throughout their lives.
Adult adoptees (age 18 and older) are encouraged to attend our camps, whether you have been a camper for years, or have never attended camp. This year we’re piloting Post-High School programming for young adult/adult adoptees because no one should ever “age out” of camp.
Each camp will have its own unique programming, developed by adoptees, for adoptees. Programming will depend on the number of adult adoptees who register and their ages. Most of the dedicated post-high school programming will be on the second full day of camp. HCAF’s Adult Adoptee Programming Task Force, made up of adult adoptees at various ages and stages in life, are leading the efforts, and programming will not be determined without their input. Outdoor adventures, relevant discussions, some camp volunteer time, and of course socializing are just some of the general ideas for post high school programming.
Additionally, many adult adoptees feel that Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families is a meaningful way to expose their own children to adoption and to their parent’s culture of birth.
Sample Topics
Relationships
Stereotypes in college or workplace – how to recognize and respond
Life transitions – leaving home, getting married, the big purchases, etc.
Connecting to birth family
Homeland tours
Sample Schedule
Here is a sample schedule for our Post High School campers on the second full day of camp (Saturdays or Sunday for Chinese Heritage Camp)
10 am Meet & Greet
10:30 am – 12 pm Outdoor activity, such as hiking, ropes course, canoeing, etc.
Noon Lunch with whole camp
1:00-2:00 Workshop specific to adult adoptees (varies per camp), and including camp counselors who are adoptees
Camp fees
For adult adoptees, there will be a discounted camp rate of $100 per adult person for the full camp, or $60 per adult person for one day of camp. Children will attend at the regular camp program rates per day. We will be working with adult adoptees who register as individuals on shared lodging to help keep lodging costs reasonable too, and will contact you after you register to discuss details.
Additionally, if you want to stay on site (mountain camps) overnight on Friday or Saturday night, we will have lodge rooms available for up to 6 people, at a rate of $148 per room. This will be determined by how many post high school campers choose to stay on site.