Family Program
The focus of Pact's 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 Camp, instead of feeling awkward or isolated, children, youth and parents can explore and celebrate their differences in a safe and nurturing environment that is realistic about both strengths and challenges. We always have a variety of group events, including 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" during which families can relax and play together at activities that include a variety of art and recreation choices.
 Children's Program
Babies Through Preschoolers: Children six months old and younger will stay with their parents. The youngest children - affectionately know 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 four 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 be in age-divided groups. They will participate in a rich menu of recreational, art, sports, drama 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" are generally middle-school aged and 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, as well as learning to serve as mentors and buddies to our younger campers where appropriate. We are excited by the options available to our group at Asilomar: a swimming pool, the boardwalk and beach on the Pacific Ocean, and proximity to Monterey Bay. The Tween group will have one exciting "special" field trip with their counselors.
Teen Camper Program
Teens aged 13 and older 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. We are excited by the many options available to our group at Asilomar: the beach, the swimming pool and proximity to Monterey. Teens also participate in adoption and identity themed discussions, with adult adoptees and programming which includes facilitated activities specific to parents and teens. All participants will receive 25 community service hours.
Counselor In Training Program
Pact Camp now has a counselor-in-training program for teens who are 17-19 years old. Teens in this age range have a choice between participating in our Teen Camper Program or in our CIT program, which is available to teens through 19 years of age.
 Teenaged counselors-in-training will be considered youth staff at camp and will be working full time during the camp session. They will be under the supervision of head counselors, and will have a variety of responsibilities.
Teens who are interested in the CIT program must apply for these positions. They must have references who will speak to their maturity and leadership qualities. Experience working with younger children is a big plus. They must also attend two all-day staff trainings prior camp. CITs will receive room and board while at camp, plus a certificate for community service hours.
To request an application, email Susan Ito at susanito@pactadopt.org.
Adults' Program
Each 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 in a daily five-hours of educational programming that includes interactive workshops, inspiring keynote presentations, and sharing in small group discussions. The program generally consists of three hours in the morning and two hours in the later afternoon, with a two-hour break for "family time" following lunch. Parents of tweens and teens will also have additional opportunities to interact around the issues related to having older children.
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