Summer camp is a quintessential childhood memory for many, often centered around shared interests. But what if there were a camp specifically geared towards welcoming adoptive youth and teens as the commonality? For adopted children and their siblings ages 9 to 18 years old, Camp APAC hosted by Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC), encourages personal growth in each attendee and kindles lasting relationships among other campers and staff.
Meaningful Experiences
Adopted children may experience times where their differences are more emphasized than similarities among other peer groups. But Camp APAC normalizes adoption and celebrates it. All campers have a tie to adoption – either they are adopted or have an adopted sibling. This shared identity invites open conversation, forging deep relationships among campers where the support network continues long after summer.
Being in good company makes the classic summer camp experience that much more fun, and there is so much fun to be had! Our campers get to be kids, the discussions around adoption happen organically, it’s not top of mind for most campers. Their shared experience allows them to put their guard down and enjoy everything camp has to offer Campers will have the opportunity to participate in activities suitable for their age and ability. From water sports like tubing and banana boating to ropes courses, horseback arenas, archery, and climbing walls, Camp APAC is sure to be a top memory each summer.
Create a Lasting Legacy
Camp APAC is a great way for adopted children and their siblings to be surrounded by others just like them, thereby truly embracing their identity. This type of bond among campers is powerful. But the staff at Camp APAC adds another layer of acceptance and encouragement to the experience. These staffers, all background checked and at least 19 years old, have a heart of service for these campers – some having been exactly in their shoes.
Andrea Montgomery started attending Camp APAC when she was 12 years old. She found Camp gave her confidence and cheered her up like no other experience had since she entered foster care at one month old and began the adoption process as a teen. Andrea’s first Camp APAC experience was as a middle school student and she continued to attend Camp every year until she was 18 years old. Once she became too old to attend camp, she was inspired to mentor the next generation, just as she had been poured into in her youth and teenage years. Andrea now returns as a staff member at this special summer camp any chance she gets. As Andrea says, “attending Camp is one of the greatest pleasures in life.”
After experiencing the transformative connectivity of Camp APAC, your children may desire to become like Andrea and return to be on Camp staff after their time as a camper. This level of committed mentorship further serves to highlight the impact Camp APAC has on its attendees, not just for the summer but for the rest of their lives.
For Parents
Signing up for Camp APAC may be the first time that all of your children are away from home at the same time, offering you as a caregiver a well-deserved pause in parenting. Rest assured, Camp APAC has numerous safeguards in place to ensure your children will be happy and healthy throughout their time away. Camp is hosted at an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited facility, meaning that the hosting site conforms to over 300 national standards of quality and safety. 2025’s camp will be held at Camp Chandler in Wetumpka, AL.
Some APAC staff that you and your children have likely interacted with at home in the past will also be there, offering a friendly face and a listening ear, no matter the topic.
For medical concerns, a nurse is on-site, and with a ratio of 1 camp staff member to 2 or 3 campers, your children will receive individual attention to grow in life-changing ways during their time away from home.
Now is the Time
Summer may feel far away in January as you’re committing to resolutions, but now is the perfect time to make plans for your children to attend Camp APAC for 2025. Registration for your adopted child and their siblings is now open. Don’t wait to sign up for an experience that’s designed to celebrate your children with other campers who are so similar to them in a setting where fun sets the tone and personal growth is the result.
What better way to celebrate National Mentorship Month than to apply to be a Camp APAC staff member this January? Your influence throughout Camp APAC will positively shape campers for the rest of their lives.
Whether you’re a camper or a staff member, Camp APAC creates unique, magical memories, anchored in connecting and supporting those touched by adoption.
