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Pact Family Camp Program |
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Family ProgramThe focus of the Pact Family Camp program is to promote family connection by creating safe spaces for children and adults to explore issues as well as to just plain have fun. Families with adopted children of color are always "coloring outside the lines" that society draws for them—they don't fit into standard boxes and at Pact Family Camp, children, youth and parents can explore and celebrate their differences. Camp is a safe and nurturing environment that acknowledges both strengths and challenges. We offer a variety of group events, which may include a movie night, a family dance, campfire, and other entertainment and recreation options for the whole family. We end the week with a celebratory performance that involves all the kids (and an enthusiastic parental audience!). Each afternoon at camp features "Family Time" when families can relax or play together at the pool area which includes a large heated pool, shallow kiddie pool, and spa. Special Programming for Adoptive Parents of ColorPact Family Camp provides a welcoming and supportive environment for parents of color—we are here to meet the needs of you and your family. Because of oppression, race and culture are often sensitive and volatile topics. That is why some programming is organized into separate groups for transracial and same-race parents. Of course, we invite people to reach across identity lines as they choose, but we want to acknowledge power dynamics that can happen when a group is in the minority. At Pact Family Camp, we emphatically believe that it is not the "job" of people in the minority to help those from the majority process their feelings about race, adoption, gender, sexual orientation etc. Learn more » (140KB | Children's ProgramBabies through preschoolers: Children six months old and younger will stay with their parents during camp. The youngest children—affectionately known as "The Littles"—have their own nursery space at camp, with experienced and loving counselors. We always have a small ratio of counselors to children in this group, from six months through five years old, to ensure a caring and comforting environment for the youngest among us. Children in this group enjoy age-appropriate games, art, story time and quiet time. Preschoolers participate in a rich variety of multicultural, nature-oriented, art, drama and recreational activities. Elementary school aged children: School-aged campers will spend their program time in age-divided groups. They will participate in a rich menu of recreational, art, sports, and reflective activities with a multicultural focus. Besides giving them the chance to have lots of fun with other kids in adoptive families like theirs, the children's program will offer the opportunity for kids to explore the experience of being adopted. Special opportunities will be available for non-adopted siblings to explore their experiences as well. We have crafted activities geared to each age group that will allow them to reflect on identity, family and adoption through art, performance and conversation. Tween Camper Program"Tweens," or 10- to 12-year-olds, generally benefit from special staffing and programming that allows them to explore their social and emotional experience independently of their parents, while having ample opportunity for reconnection at night and during other planned times. Tweens also participate in adoption- and identity-themed discussions with adult adoptees. They will participate in a fun and stimulating program that will include a wide variety of outdoor activities, field trips and fun. Teen Camper ProgramTeens (age 13 and older) will be separated by age and housed together with their own counselors, and have their own 24/7 staffing. They will participate in a fun and stimulating program that will include a wide variety of outdoor activities, field trips, and fun, while learning to serve as mentors and buddies to our younger campers. This year, as an added bonus, they will have their own "hang-out" room. Teens also participate in adoption- and identity-themed discussions, with adult adoptees and programming which includes facilitated activities specific to parents and teens including workshops in identity, expression and sexuality. All participants will receive 25 community service hours. Older Youth: Counselors-in-TrainingIf you have a young adult who is 18 to 20 years old who would like to take a leadership role at camp, they may be eligible to participate as counselors-in-training. If this situation applies to your young adult, please have them complete the CIT application. Adults' ProgramEach year, we assemble a stellar group of professional guests who come to camp to share their knowledge and experience in the three major areas of adoption, race, and parenting. Adults participate daily in five hours of educational programming that includes interactive workshops, inspiring keynote presentations, and sharing in small group discussions. The adult program generally consists of three hours in the morning and two hours in the later afternoon, with a two-hour break to reconnect with children "family time" during and after lunch. Parents of tweens and teens will also have additional opportunities to discuss the issues related to having older children. A few special opportunities for film viewing and discussion groups are also available and open to all parents who are able to make their own child-care arrangements. Speakers and WorkshopsPlease check back; details will be posted as we confirm this year's special guests and workshop topics. Can we attend Pact Family Camp part-time? (231KB | |
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