[traceyk]

In this months edition of my adoption magazine they talked about Heritage Camps. I was wondering if anyone had sent their kids to one and what was your opinion. Obviously Drihan is WAY too young at 11 mo. to go to one, but I am looking into the future

[sneezyone]

I've never been to a residential summer camp (just day camp) but I always wanted to go as a kid. I guess I think that unless the community the child is in is not all that diverse there'd be no real intense reason to do that kind of camp versus any other kind of camp since, in my experience, whenever there are even a small group of alike kids together they're going to get a type of heritage experience. An experience that is equal to if not more valuable than the academic exercise of learning about historical figures/traditions. I think camps based more on interest (at which a diverse group of children are present, give kids more opportunities to connect on a deeper personal level. But hey, that's just me.

I'm also interested to know how those who've attended the camps feel about their value.

[Jensboys]

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

[AdrienneG]

Originally Posted by Jensboys

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.

Jen

Jensboys can you PM the name of the camp and some info about it?? Its something I would like to attend in the future for many important reasons.

[Jensboys]

http://spaces.msn.com/harambeecanada/

And if you need more contact information, please just pm me

The camp is held the first week of July in Naramata, BC which is a beautiful desert location in southern BC on the edge of gorgeous Okanagan Lake. I think for a week of camping as a family, it costs us around $250.00 (we camp, and cook our own meals etc). You can rent cabins and purchase meals if you wish (lol and dont have four kids!!!). Absolutely the best family vacation value I have EVER spent!!!!!!

Jen

[joskimo]

I look forward to going to culture camp when baby is older. Our local community does a family adoption camp every mother's day weekend and I want to go this year. I know our daughter is too young to get anything out of it but think that as a family it will be enjoyable and I'd like to meet more families like ours. We do not have a culture camp in our neck of the woods but I think the one Jensboys goes to is the closest to our area (Pacific NW).

[sneezyone]

As I re-read my comments I think we might be talking about different things. I was assuming a child would go off to camp by his/herself for some independent time away not necessarily as a family activity. I can see how a family camp might be beneficial tho. I guess the first thing that came to my mind was that we sort of live, eat, breath and sleep adoption all the time (or whatever else our daily realities might be). Wouldn't it be fun just to go to camp as an individual and not an individual who's adopted? Or as an individual with disabilities or as an individual with green eyes...etc. You get the idea---to just go away and be whoever you want to be. Then again, there are three months in a summer vacation so there's more than enough room for all of these experiences.

[Jensboys]

but I think the one Jensboys goes to is the closest to our area (Pacific NW).

Yes there are several American families that attend - mostly from WA, OR and Idaho ...

Jen

[Jensboys]

Originally Posted by sneezyone

As I re-read my comments I think we might be talking about different things. I was assuming a child would go off to camp by his/herself for some independent time away not necessarily as a family activity. I can see how a family camp might be beneficial tho. I guess the first thing that came to my mind was that we sort of live, eat, breath and sleep adoption all the time (or whatever else our daily realities might be). Wouldn't it be fun just to go to camp as an individual and not an individual who's adopted? Or as an individual with disabilities or as an individual with green eyes...etc. You get the idea---to just go away and be whoever you want to be. Then again, there are three months in a summer vacation so there's more than enough room for all of these experiences.

Just wanted to say I concur! My boys go to hockey camp, and church camp and hang out with their friends - all things that have nothing to do with their race, or their adoptive status but have to do with being a fun kid .

Our family camp though has really brought A TON of positives into all our lives and I cant imagine not ever having had it!

[redhedded]

Tracey, We are fortunate to live in a diverse and art driven community where our kids can see/learn African drumming anyday, djembe, djundjun, see afro Modern dance and for that matter watch tabla masters, learn Capoeira and eat excellent food from almost any country. We have a large local group of transracial adoptive parents with support and facilitation by the University social work department. That aside, I agree with Jen and would absolutely consider and make an effort, great or small, to attend a heritage summer camp with my kids.

I think that there is something great about understanding without words, because the kids have a similar experience or one element of it, just like kids who attend sunshine camp (having lost a loved one) or kids who have experienced cancer. It is just another way to provide them an experience that they can then decide to continue or not.

[bjolly]

whereabouts do you live, redhedded? if you don't mind me asking....sounds wonderful.