The Foundation for a Great Birth Country Experience!
We think that you’ll find participation at camp or other cultural events is a great way to prepare for the time when your family travels with Adoptive Family Travel. Culture camp and similar programs provide a big piece of the foundation kids need to have successful in-country experiences.
Many years ago, when talking with Pam Sweetser of Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, she remarked, “The way I see it, culture camp brings the country to the families and The Ties Program brings the family to the country!” That pretty much sums it up!
African/Caribbean Heritage Camp
St. Regis University, Denver, CO
African/Caribbean Heritage Camp (ACHC) celebrates its 21th year in 2019 and remains one of the few camps of its kind in the country. Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families developed ACHC for families who adopted:
- African American and bi-racial children
- African children (from Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and other African nations)
- Haitian or other Caribbean children
This camp is a blend of cultures, and the kids and families have blended too – all with the common identity of being born into the African/Caribbean or African-American culture, internationally or domestically. This blending of cultures and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages.
UMOJA Camp
Green Lake Conference Center
Green Lake, WI
We are a camp for the entire family that offers both educational and cultural sessions. Each evening is a celebration of the black culture by dancers/drummers/art. Throughout Saturday there are numerous sessions broke up into age groups. Programming starts at age 3 and goes through adult. Babysitting is provided for children 2 and under.
Kamp Kurat
Somerset Beach Campground
Somerset Center, MI (1-hr W of AnnArbor)
Kamp Kurat, a weekend heritage camp for families with children from Ethiopia, began the summer of 2014. Our inaugural weekend was held at Somerset Beach Campground, about 1 hour west of Ann Arbor, MI. We launched our camp with two main hopes: To celebrate Ethiopia and to build friendships.
Chinese Heritage Camp II
St. Regis University
Denver, CO
We enthusiastically celebrate the Chinese birth culture of our campers, while also emphasizing the shared experience of being adopted into U.S. culture. It is that connection — with other families, a child’s cultural heritage, the greater community, and role models — that affirms a child’s self-worth and belonging.
At Chinese Heritage Camp II, we are very fortunate to have supportive presenters, entertainers, and counselors from the Chinese community in Colorado. Many of our counselors and presenters include Chinese adoptees. They are the racial mirrors our children need to see, learn from, and often develop lifelong relationships with. The rich Chinese culture is infused in all aspects of camp, for an authentic & fun experience!
Chinese Heritage Camp
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Chinese Heritage Camp was one of the first camps in the country exclusively created for families with children adopted from China. It is one of the 11 camps facilitated by the highly respected Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families. Chinese Heritage Camp offers programs for infants through high school. This camp is a celebration of Chinese culture, and of adoptive families. This blending of culture and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages. We enthusiastically celebrate the Chinese birth culture of our campers, while also emphasizing the shared experience of being adopted into U.S. culture. It is that connection — with other families, a child’s cultural heritage, the greater community, and role models — that affirms a child’s self-worth and belonging.
Camp Friendship China
Stirling, NJ
Camp Friendship China is a one-week day camp for Chinese-born adoptees and their siblings entering grades kindergarten through eighth. The campers learn about the Chinese culture through music, cooking, dance, art and language.
Our Camp China
Black Mountain, NC
A weekend summer heritage camp designed for the whole family. Camp China is held annually in western North Carolina at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC. Please visit our website for additional information and to register.
Camp Masala-South Asian Heritage Camp
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul, MN
Camp Masala is a weekend camp for children of South Asian heritage and their families. Our goal at Camp Masala is to facilitate our children’s education about South Asian culture within a fun environment. (We welcome all families, adopted, biological, mixed-race or not.) Your child will be surrounded by other children who look like them and other families who are built like yours. Camp Masala is held at the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. We look forward to meeting your family this summer! Each year we celebrate a different region of South Asia.
Indian/Nepalese Heritage Camp
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Adoption is a culture of its own that brings unique joys and challenges to a family’s life. At our camp, children and families are nurtured and supported at every stage of that life. Children and parents relish in being with other families “just like them.” This camp is a celebration of Indian and Nepalese culture, and of adoptive families. This blending of culture and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages.
Midwest I-child/Namaste Heritage Camp
Green Lake , WI
Midwest I-child hosts an annual summer camp in Green Lake, Wisconsin each year for families that have adopted from India and other countries who have an interest in exposing their kids to their birth country’s culture and meeting and socializing with other families that have adopted or are in the adoption process. Visit their website for more information for regarding their camp, and other events.
Korean Heritage Camp
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
This camp is a celebration of Korean culture, and of adoptive families. This blending of culture and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages. In fact, it is often said at KHC that it looks and feels as if we are in Korea, because of the outpouring of support from the Korean community – eating the food, hearing the language, playing the games, discovering the culture, and learning from Koreans about what it means to be Korean. Come join us!
Camp Choson
Camp Lakamaga
St. Croix, MN
Camp Choson is a Korean culture camp designed for Korean-American children, youth and their families. Camp was originally started for Korean adoptees, but has grown to include Korean-Americans from all family backgrounds. Resident Camp (grades 7-11) is six days, while Day Camp (K-6) is five days. Our current venue is Camp Lakamaga, a Girl Scout Camp near Forest Lake, Minnesota. More details about camp and the activities included in camp can be found at their website.
Kamp Kimchee
Korean Culture Camp
Kamp Kimchee is a Korean culture camp for Korean adoptees and their families. Classes are offered for 4-year olds through 12th grade. Classes offered include: Korean social studies/culture, Hangul (Korean Vocabulary), Korean Music, dance, Tae Kwon Do, artistic expression and self esteem.
Camp Friendship Korea
Stirling, NJ
Camp Friendship Korea is a one-week day camp for Korean-born adoptees and their siblings entering grades kindergarten through eighth. This year camp is held at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, NJ. The campers learn about the Korean culture through music, cooking, dance, art, Tae Kwon Do, drumming and language.
K.A.M.P. (Korean Adoption Means Pride)
Pella, IA
Korean Adoption Means Pride (KAMP) is a culture camp that provides fun and enjoyment for the entire family. Pre-school children have scheduled playtime each day, while registered KAMPers (kindergarten through high school) have classes in Korean music and dance, language, TKD, art, and etiquette. Annual workshops and presentations for parents include topics related to adoption and Korean history/culture. We welcome Midwestern families to our organization and provide KAMP details on our website.
Korean Culture Camp of Michigan (KCCM)
East Lansing, MI
Korean Culture Camp of Eastern Michigan is celebrating its 28th year! We offer a variety of activities to teach Korean culture including language, music, art, dance, drumming, TaeKwonDo, and more. Anyone with an interest in Korean culture is welcome to join us! Volunteers are needed, too. For more information, please visit our website above.
Camp Moo Gung Hwa
“Day Camp
Raleigh, NC
Camp Moo Gung Hwa is a day camp designed to enhance adopted Korean-American children’s knowledge of Korean culture and to promote their self-esteem. Classes and activities, taught by members of the Korean community and adult adoptees include history, language, literature, dance, Tae Kwon Do, music, cooking and arts and crafts. Introducing the children to their native culture helps them build a sense of identity and encourages healthy self-esteem.
Camp MuJiGae
Korea Culture Camp
Schenectady, NY
We are so excited to be celebrating our 33rd year of camp! Our mission is to provide a social and cultural program for Korean-American children and their families. Most of our families are connected through adoption. We offer a day camp program for preschoolers through 12th grade. Our classes are taught by members of Korean community and Sookmyung University students from Seoul. Our Senior Campers (6th-12th grade) are treated to special evening activities just for them! We’re kicking off camp with our Family Day, a celebration of Korean performances and a delicious Korean meal! Visit our website for more information or to register.
Sae Jong Camp
Camp Westminster
Roscommon, MI
Sae Jong Camp is an overnight summer camp focused on Korean-American culture and identity. It is a fun-filled week of education, summer activities and self-discovery. To learn more about Sae Jong Camp please visit our website.
Korean Culture Camp
Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis, MN
KCC is a non-profit organization entering its 32nd year! Please check out our website for this year’s camp details.
Camp Moon Hwa
Rochester, MN
Our culture camp is a chance for children to celebrate and share Korean heritage and culture, meet old and new friends, and have lots of fun. Most of the attendees are Korean adoptees or their siblings but anyone interested in Korea is welcome. Camp is held daily from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM. All children ages 5 and older are welcome.
Camp Pride Korea
Ithasca, IL
Camp Pride is a culture day camp for Korean adoptees and their siblings. Classes are offered for children 4 years old through 12th grade.
Heart & Seoul Camp
Rochester, NY
Heart and Seoul Camp is a family oriented weekend Korean Culture Camp at McQuaid Jesuit. We are fortunate to have Sookmyung University students from Seoul who prepare and lead a variety of classes for campers and parents. Our focus is on celebrating Korean culture and building community. All are welcome!
KAAN Conference
Minneapolis, MN
KAAN (Korean American Adoptee Adoptive Family Network) is a nonprofit founded in 1998 to build a national Korean adoption community with adoptees at its center. Our mission is to improve the lives of Korean-born adoptees by connecting the community and providing opportunities for dialogue, education, and support. We welcome people, especially adoptees, of other backgrounds as well, who often have relevant wisdom and experiences to share.
Destination Korea Camp
Carrollton, TX
TEEN DESTINATION CAMP is a gathering for Korean adoptees that will be entering the 7th grade in the fall of 2019 and those who have just completed the 12th grade in 2019. This is a wonderful time for teens to be together to make new friends and renew old friendships. Adult adoptees and adoptive parents will facilitate the activities for Teen Destination. Semihan Korean Church will be providing additional support and activities for Teen Destination.
Teen Destination will be held at Semihan Korean Church, 1615 West Belt Line Road, Carrollton, Texas. There will be time for activities; such as team building and mentoring, eating Korean food, and games and activities to build life-long friendships.
DESTINATION KOREA CAMP experience will be filled with various activities related to Korean culture. Our mission is to provide cultural and educational opportunities for families formed through Korean adoption. We also provide opportunities for adoptees, parents, siblings, grandparents and cultural communities to share common experiences, to build lifelong relationships, to develop a sense of community, and to enhance individual identities.
LaSemana
Lakeville, MN
LaSemana offers a week long culture day camp for children in grades K-7 plus high school ‘ayudantes’. LaSemana means ‘the week’ in Spanish and we make it an extraordinary one for hundreds of children adopted from Latin American countries. LaSemana is held annually in Minnesota and attracts adopted children from across the U.S. and even internationally. We celebrate adopted Latino children and teens from several countries, and we complete LaSemana with a big Fiesta on Friday night. Come join us!
Latin American Heritage Camp
Snow Mountain Ranch
Fraser, CO
Latin American Heritage Camp in Colorado is one of the few camps of its kind in the country, designed specifically for families with children adopted from Central and South America, as well as those of Hispanic heritage adopted within the United States. Hispanic counselors serve as role models and mentors to the children as they participate with them in cultural classes while adult family members attend cultural and adoption related. This camp is a celebration of Latin American culture, and of adoptive families. This blending of culture and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages.
Mi Pueblo
Cleveland, Ohio
Mi Pueblo is a Latin American Culture Camp for children adopted in Latin America and their siblings, sponsored by Concern for Children Inc., a nonprofit adoption support group. Mi Pueblo means “my village” or “my people” in Spanish. The camp is a one-week day camp that provides children who have been adopted from Latin American countries a fun and educational opportunity to learn about the culture of their birth counties, to develop pride in their birth heritage, to develop skills for dealing with the unique circumstances of living in a multi-cultural family, to identify with positive Latin American role models, and to associate with other adopted children of similar heritage.
FRUA Inc – Family Camp
Kayak Point Campground, Stanwood, WA
Would you and your family like to learn more about culture from Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia? If so, and you have a child adopted from a former Soviet-bloc country, the Heritage Camp Weekend is the place for you. Families will get a chance to relax, make friends, participate in camp activities and lean more about Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia countries and their cultures. Camp will include cultural aspects from every FRUA INC country from which we have children in attendance. Come join us!
Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian (REECA)
Heritage Camp
Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO
At Russian/Eastern European/Central Asian Heritage Camp (REECA), we work hard to represent each of the 5 or 6 countries and cultures our children come from. We are very fortunate to have supportive presenters, entertainers, and counselors from the Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian communities of Colorado and throughout the country. Many of our counselors and presenters are adoptees themselves. They are the cultural mirrors our children need to see, learn from, and often develop lifelong relationships with. The rich and varied culture of this region of the world is infused in all aspects of camp, for an authentic & fun experience!This camp is a blend of cultures, and the kids and families have blended too – all with the common identity of being adopted from a REECA country. This blending of cultures and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages.
Zhailau Heritage Camp
Geneva Point Center, Moultonborough, NH
Each July, we look forward to gathering again to celebrate our children’s birth culture together. During this memorable time, we nurture existing friendships and establish new ones with families from all over North America. Children have the unique chance to bond with other children whose families have strong Kazakh connections.
Kazapolooza
Kazapalooza is a fun filled weekend long reunion of families who have adopted children from Kazakhstan. It is held annually on the fourth weekend of June.
(SEAPI) SE Asia/Pacific Islander Heritage Camp
Estes Park, CO
At SEAPI Heritage Camp, we work hard to represent each of the countries and cultures our children come from. We are very fortunate to have supportive presenters, entertainers, and counselors from the Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, Cambodian, and Pacific Islander communities in Colorado and throughout the country. Many of our counselors and presenters are adoptees themselves. They are the racial mirrors our children need to see, learn from, and often develop lifelong relationships with. The rich & varied Southeast Asian & Pacific Islander culture is infused in all aspects of camp, for an authentic and fun experience! This camp is a blend of cultures, and the kids and families have blended too – all with the common identity of being adopted from a country in Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands. This blending of cultures and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages.
Families for International Children (FFIC)
Heritage Camp
Grand Rapids, MI
We are a day camp for children from preschool age to teens. Sessions include the language, arts, customs, clothing, games, and foods of campers’ birth countries. This year, sub-camps are available for Eastern European, Chinese, Latin American, Korean and Multi-cultural groups. Nearly 150 volunteers make this camp possible for 300 children each year.
Forever Families Weekend
for Jewish Families Touched by Adoption
Camp Nah-Jee-Wah
Milford, PA
Join other Jewish families touched by adoption for a weekend of community-building, recreation, education, and fun! Whether your family was formed in part or in whole through domestic or international adoption, Forever Families weekend will bring you together with other families like yours to share experiences, learn from experts and each other, and enjoy each other’s company.
Pact Family Camp-WEST
Granlibakken Conference Center
Tahoe City, CA
Pact Family Camp -EAST
Pine Mountain, GA
Pact Family Camps bring together families with adopted children of color to share their experiences, learn from experts and each other, and enjoy each other’s company. Many families have told us that their time at Camps had a profound effect, offering them a community they couldn’t find anyplace else. We are excited to be joined by adult adoptees of color who are renowned adoption professionals, researchers and authors. Parents will hear from speakers and have conversations about parenting, adoption and race that will help them be the best that they can be for their children. Kids will find other kids who are like them in very significant ways. For many kids, Pact Family Camp is one place where they really feel they belong. From the youngest children to older youth, each group will have many opportunities for sharing, making meaningful connections and having fun.
Kaleidoscope Culture Camp (CAFFA)
Roselle, Illinois (near Chicago)
KALEIDOSCOPE Culture Camp is for children that joined their families through adoption or foster care, their siblings, & their parents. This exciting camp is for children entering Kindergarten through 10th grade. The camp programs offered are: African/African American, Chinese, Eastern European, and Latin American. Campers spend their time learning about the history, customs, cuisine, and language of their birth countries through various activities including, crafts, songs, presentations and games.. Come join in the fun!
Adoptive Family Weekend
YMCA Camp Minikana
Hubertus, WI
The Cradle adoption agency invites all adoptive families to YMCA Camp Minikana in Hubertus, Wisconsin for an informative, fun-filled Labor Day weekend! Hear from our guest speakers; participate in our adoption panel and discussion groups. Your family can compete in the Family Olympics, try your hand at archery, boating, the alpine tower, and our climbing wall. Get cozy around a campfire and spent time bonding with other families like yours.
Camp Kupugani-Multicultural Camps
Various Dates (check website)
Leaf River, IL
About 90 minutes west of Chicago, Camp Kupugani, in separate girls-only, boys-only, and blended (intentionally coed) sessions, provides a multicultural sleep-away camp that focuses on diversity and communication skills in a fun atmosphere, united children of varied backgrounds and providing them with empowerment and community-building skills, so that children aged 7 to 15 expand comfort zones and build character. Campers learn to celebrate and appreciate their identity while doing the same for others.
WACAP Annual Family Camp
Sun Lakes Park Resort
Near Coulee City, Washington
WACAP Family Camp is a 5-day 4-night event. It is a family/volunteer driven camp supported by WACAP. Whether an adopted person or adoptive parent, support is often felt best when provided by another who has walked the same road. Family Camp is a time for adoptive families to come together to relax, learn from each other, and support one another while at the same time enjoy a fun family vacation. WACAP Family Camp encourages children to bond with new and old friends, communicate with parents ending in a closer relationship once you return home.
Camp For Me
Stowe, VT
Camp For Me is an exciting day camp for all adopted children and teens. Come join us for games, sports, arts & crafts, field trips, swimming, hiking and just hanging out with other girls and boys just like you! To be held at Stowe High School.
Domestic Adoption Camp
St. Regis University
Denver, CO
Even with adoptees born in the U.S., each child has their own heritage, background, and an identity that is distinct from their adoptive parents. While Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families was created specifically for international adoptees, countless domestic adoptive families recognized that so much of what we do meets a very critical need for those who have adopted children from the U.S. Networking with other adoptive and foster families, adult adoptees, and experts in the field of adoption are key components of camp. Each camp’s workshops include nationally renowned speakers and experts in their field. Camp provides resources, education, and dialogue on a variety of topics, such as navigating birth/first family relationships, holistic approaches to well-being, complex trauma, self-care for parents, and perspectives of adult adoptees. DAC is also about having fun together with other adoptive families – kids and parents developing relationships that provide friendship and support all year long. Come join us!