We’ve written about summer camps before and wanted to update our camp blog with new (and newly confirmed) options for adoptive parents. It might feel like spring is far away and we know the snow isn’t gone, but it’s the perfect time to start thinking about summertime options. Specialty campus usually fill up fast, so don’t delay if one of these looks like a great option for you.
Camps for Adopted Children
The good news is that summer camps have such variety now that they include nationwide camps for adopted children. Like the Heritage Camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan that is open to adopted children ages preschool through ninth grade. This camp is designed to help adopted children experience and learn about the culture of their birth countries. There is another Heritage Camp in Denver, Colorado that runs for four days in late July/ early August. In it’s eighth year, this camp helps families celebrate their unique beginnings and it is, essentially, one big celebration of adoptive families.
There is also Camp Clio in Connecticut, which offers several sessions throughout the summer. There’s even a special camp for teenage girls that provides more appropriate fun and engaging activities for your teen.
Kansas and Missouri Camps
If there isn’t an adoption-specific summer camp near you or a relative, general summer camps can be fantastic ways for your children to grow and learn about themselves. There is a very large variety, from sports to arts, cooking, outdoor adventure and more. There’s a handy list for Kansas that grows by the day and for Missouri, too. Talk to your children about what interests they would like to explore and surely there is a camp for it! Many summer camps offer need-based sponsorships and scholarships, too.
Volunteering at a Summer Camp
If you want to be an active volunteer for foster children, or are active in the foster care system, Royal Family Kids offers summer camps in nearly every state. In Missouri, there are 4 camps that serve approximately 45 – 50 children each year. Incredible volunteers make these camps a true success. Their current program locations include Cassville, St. Joseph, and Springfield. What’s even better is that you and your community can even plan or sponsor a new camp in your area.
For our readers in Kansas, Royal Family Kids offers camps in Great Bend, Lenexa, Manhattan, Topeka, and Wichita. There are 6 camps in total and volunteers work hard to reach foster children. You and your family could easily start a new camp and help make a special summer for a child.