A Program for Adopted Youth to Connect & Celebrate Their Identity
Open to Adoptees in 2nd through 7th Grade
Our Adoption Day Camp is a four-part in-person series designed for adopted youth who have a finalized adoption. Participants will have the opportunity to get to know other adoptees through exciting activities and age-appropriate discussions about identity, friendship, and more!
2025 Adoption Day Camp Overview:
- Groups meet one Saturday per month, January through April, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Dates: January 4, February 1, March 1, and April 5, 2025.
- All events will take place in the Twin Cities Metro.
- Each morning, youth will participate in emotional skill building through Nurture Groups, and age-based curriculum on a specific topic. This year’s topics are:
- 2nd & 3rd Grade – Communication & W.I.S.E. UP!
- 4th & 5th Grade – Friendship
- 6th & 7th Grade – Self-Esteem
- Each event will feature a fun activity or field trip in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided.
- Cost to attend: $25 per child, per event (non-refundable). Bus transportation will be provided from the Children’s Home Main Office to field trip locations.
For Parents
As part of our Adoption Day Camp experience, parents will also have the opportunity to connect! You are invited to stick around for coffee hour after drop-off. Join us for coffee and connection time with other adoptive parents.
Camp Dates & Activities
Learn more about each event below. You may register to attend one, two, three, or all four events! After registering, you will receive more specific information about meals, activities, directions, etc. one week prior to the event.
Day 1: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Drop off and pick up: Children’s Home Main Office – 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN
At our first camp event, we will get our bodies moving at InnerActive, an indoor playground in Mounds View. This space features a large playground, full size basketball court, large turf field, kangaroo jumper, and building blocks from Imagination Playground. This activity focuses on building connection and comfort with other adoptees. Registration Deadline: Friday, December 27, 2024.
- Parent Coffee Hour: Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Day 2: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Drop off and pick up: Children’s Home Main Office – 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN
At our second camp event, we will visit Alliance Francaise in Minneapolis. Youth will have the opportunity to get hands-on in the kitchen during a cooking class. They will also work on a craft and participate in music and games. Registration Deadline: Friday, January 24, 2025.
- Parent Coffee Hour: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Day 3: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. WAITLIST
Drop off and pick up: Children’s Home Main Office – 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN
Caponi Art Park is a community sculpture garden located in Eagan. During our third camp event, park staff will come to Children’s Home to lead youth in a nature art workshop. Participants will receive a nature lesson and then create their very own seed art mosaic to take home. Registration Deadline: Friday, February 24, 2025.
- Parent Coffee Hour: Saturday, March 2, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Please note: This event is full. Please register below if you would like to be added to the waitlist.
Day 4: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Drop off and pick up: Children’s Home Main Office – 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN
For our final event we will take a trip to the Museum of Illusions at the Mall of America. Youth will explore hands-on optical illusions and learn the science behind these tricks. Staff and volunteers will capture mind-blowing photographs of youth to share with their families. Youth can opt out of photos if preferred. Registration Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025.
- Parent Coffee Hour: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Cost & Payment Information
The cost of attending is $25 per child, per event. You will be emailed an invoice for payment after registering. Payment must be received prior to attending.
If cost is a barrier, please email [email protected] to request funding assistance. You may register to reserve your spot before funding assistance is finalized.
A Note to Parents
Adoption Day Camp is organized and run by Children’s Home staff with assistance from community volunteers. The organization strives to provide trauma-informed services and desires to include all adoptees to the best of our ability. We recognize that some children may need more support than our staff are able to provide in a group setting. We ask that parents consider the level of support that their child receives in the school setting when considering this program. For children who receive a high level of support during the school day, we ask that a family member or other trusted adult attend Adoption Day Camp to provide child-specific support throughout the day.
Questions?
Please contact Elizabeth Bohlken at [email protected].
