We go yearly (and have for the last 7 years) to a family camp for families raising children of African Heritage (meaning not necessarily adoptive families although 99% are). Essentially families with black children, but encompassing American born, Canadian born, Haitian, African, Carribean etc.
It is
WITHOUT A DOUBT the highlight of our year, every year. Each week ends with tears, sobs, from our boys and we LOVE going. We are, officially, life'ers!
This camp we attend is a family camp and the children range in age from newborn through to 18, 19 or 20. Its WONDERFUL!!! Absolutely fabulous. I cant say enough good about it. Here's why ...
The vast majority of the families that attend are Canadian and the kids spend the majority of their lives (and other interests, camps, schools etc) as the minority by far. This camp allows the kids to be the majority. Also, noone asks them stupid questions because EVERYONE understands. Whether your first mom was slaughtered by bandits in Haiti, or you were adopted as a newborn in Chicago EVERYONE gets it. My kids share more there with their adopted friends about BEING adopted than they do anywhere else. Also, for the white siblings, its a time of acceptance and not having stupid questions or justifying your family to anyone.
Also, it allows the parents to share with likeminded parents their concerns, their agonies and their joys. It allows for intensive sessions for parents on things like preparing your sons (and daughters) for racism, hair and skin care, etc. They have brought in AA therapists that specialize on issues like self esteem to help evaluate families and give support to families who need it.
On the cultural aspect - there is NO chance for us to get African drumming lessons in small town BC - last summer the boys (and us) took classes in hiphop, wrote rap, took several classes in African drumming, a class on Haitian cooking, learned about the history of Kapuera and how to perform it. Experiences they would have never had elsewhere.
To us, it feels like a giant family reunion and I wouldnt miss it for the world!!!
Jen