Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Camp

We strive to highlight the distinct birth countries and cultures of our campers, while also emphasizing the shared experience among adoptees from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is that connection — with other families, a child’s cultural heritage, the greater community, and role models — that affirms a child’s self-worth and belonging.

At SEAPI Heritage Camp, we work hard to represent each of the countries and cultures our children come from. We are very fortunate to have supportive presenters, entertainers, and counselors from the Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, and Pacific Islander communities in Colorado and throughout the country. Many of our counselors and presenters are adoptees themselves.  They are the racial mirrors our children need to see, learn from, and often develop lifelong relationships with. The rich & varied Southeast Asian & Pacific Islander culture is infused in all aspects of camp, for an authentic and fun experience!

For instance, one way we have blended the SEAPI cultures in a fun celebration is our annual Songkran (Thai New Year) Festival, which involves campers, counselors, presenters, parents, and buckets of water! For those who wish to participate, it is a very fun way to spend a summer afternoon, and equally fun for those who just want to watch!

Adoption is also a culture of its own that brings unique joys and challenges to a family’s life. At our camp, children and families are nurtured and supported at every stage of that life. Children and parents relish in being with other families “just like them.”

We ensure that this camp includes programming designed to equip parents with the tools and understanding to raise children with respect to their cultural background, and to raise children who have experienced loss in their young lives. Camp programming is designed to support parents with the ability to advocate for, affirm, and support our kids.

This camp is a blend of cultures, and the kids and families have blended too – all with the common identity of being adopted from a country in Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands. This blending of cultures and families has created an enriching, supportive space for our campers of all ages.

A Family Experience

Each camp is a family experience. Adults attend their own workshops and benefit from opportunities to socialize and connect with other parents who have shared experiences and understanding. Non-adopted siblings typically attend camp, and benefit from fun and connection with their peers, while gaining an understanding of adoption and culture. Extended family — grandparents, aunts, uncles — are also welcome to attend camp.