Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families

A nonprofit organization

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Live

$10,345 raised by 28 donors

14% complete

$75,000 Goal

Testimonials

"I am not certain my words can capture the feeling the camp gave me: a sense of belonging even though I was a first time attendee. Raising adopted kids is not always easy and the challenges are not always tangible to those around us, be it extended family, friends, schools, neighbors, etc. At camp, there is a complete understanding of the trials as well as the joys that create the families we've chosen to become. This was the best life experience my family has ever had!"
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"Camp is the one place where our child feels entirely comfortable about being adopted as well as Vietnamese. We live in an area with low ethnic diversity, and being able to see other kids and counselors that are so comfortable themselves has been great, especially as middle schoolers are trying to figure out how much they want to conform or be different. This is the one family activity she looks forward to and talks about all year long."
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"We recently moved to Alabama and my kids are starting over in brand new schools. My daughter is in highschool and it is always daunting to make new friends at that age. She came home from school telling me that kids were asking her what "conichiwa" means and others teased her and asked how she escaped from North Korea. This is not new to us- but the difference is that this year she told me immediately after it happened. Her response to them was to educate them that she is Korean, and from South Korea. She also proudly told them that she doesn't speak Korean but is Korean American. In the past, she has just ignored things like this or let it bother her quietly.

I am so proud of her for standing up for herself and educating others even in a new environment. I give all credit for that to KHC. I truly believe that it has empowered her to be proud of her Korean heritage. As a Korean adoptee myself- I wish I would have had that confidence when I was younger."

Mission

Our Mission

Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families is a post-adoption resource dedicated to promoting healthy adoption, racial, and ethnic identities in transracial, transnational, and domestic adoptees by creating an intrinsic sense of belonging through our programming and community.

Our Vision

To continue to be a leading post-adoption resource and advocate, accessible to all adoptees and adoptive families, growing and adapting as adoption changes worldwide.

We accomplish our mission by facilitating events, including our 9 camps, which provide culturally relevant and family-centered experiences for every member of the family. These events provide adoptees of all ages and families with both a deeper sense of community and an individual identity.

Background Statement

Since 1995, Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, Inc. (HCAF) has been a vital post-adoption resource and community for families who have adopted children—both internationally and domestically—and for Adult Adoptees. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, HCAF provides year-round advocacy and support, with its hallmark programs being nine annual heritage camps that bring adoption and culture together in meaningful, lasting ways.

At each camp, adoptees and their families experience culturally rich programs, community connection, and expert-led workshops designed to celebrate identity, strengthen families, and build lifelong bonds. Adult Adoptees also find opportunities for connection, mentorship, and continued learning through specialized programs and activities.

Responding to the growing needs of adoptive families worldwide, HCAF has expanded over the years to host nine distinct heritage camps, each tailored to specific adoptee communities and cultural backgrounds.

HCAF is proud to be the only organization in Colorado offering these one-of-a-kind heritage camp experiences, and the only one in the nation to provide such a unique range of camps dedicated to adoptees and those who love them. Each camp is a residential, family-centered experience held at beautiful sites in the Colorado Rockies and along the Front Range.