This is the time of year when camp planning is in full swing for the staff, volunteer directors and coordinators, and our advisory board. We’re busy shaping innovative programming, reaching out to experts in adoption, culture, and race, refining our camp counselor training, among many other things.
Unlike many other adoption camps, Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families is largely run by a dedicated force of volunteers, and each year we see adoptive parents, community members, and adult adoptees signing on volunteer in leadership roles at all of our camps.
Some families wonder, why don’t you pay a more robust staff to plan programming and manage logistics?
Our Volunteer Model
Research supports the belief that our volunteer model helps us accomplish one of our objectives: building relationships and broadening support networks for families.
“One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people… It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.”
From a consumer-driven standpoint, our volunteer model ensures that our camp fees remain affordable for the majority of families. Without volunteers, fees would be $514 per camper, on average.
Inclusivity is important to us, and we know that our kids benefit from being in a community with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, as well as the cultural and racial diversity that is found at all of our camps. They also benefit from seeing their parents actively engaged in building the community that matters so much.
Thank you to our many volunteers who bring their creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families!
