“As soon as I arrived at Myuna Bay everyone was really welcoming and came up and introduced themselves to me. As it was my first time at Camp Connection I enjoyed it A LOT. Many things went on and it was a lot of fun. Interacting with the little kids was very enjoyable and I hope in the future I will have a lot to do with this camp as it’s a great organization. My main comment would be “BEST CAMP EVER”
The childrens’ main comments centred around the activities that they had participated in. The most popular activites were archery, raft building, drumming and the campfire.
From the Buddies
The buddies expressed that the camp is important to them as they get the opportunity to share their experiences with each other as well as with the children. Some mentioned they would like to spend more time with the other adults at the camp as most of the time is spent with the children or themselves when they are off duty. This will be looked at when planning the camp for next year.
“I joined the camp because in the society that I grew up I felt like there wasn’t many adoptees, and wanted to share our similarities in feelings and make myself as well as the kids that we aren’t alone, we understand.”
“I have never been involved in any kind of adoption community so last weekend really opened my eyes up to what I've been missing out on all these years. It was great on so many levels. I really enjoyed being able to not only make friends with the kids and open up to the parents, but also to be able to meet the buddies – whom I think we all share a really special and unique understanding. I feel really fortunate to have been able to 'give something back,' because I know that if I was never adopted then I would not have the incredible life I have now.”
“Camp Connections means to me that you can unite as an adoption comunity and in a sense be yourself , appreciate, learn & accept who you are in a fun exciting way with no judgments. I came to Camp Connection to meet other adoptees and parents of adoptees to share life experiences and to get a sense of answers within myself when questioning if I was the only person that felt the way i did through some situations in my life as an adopted child. I made long life friends which for the first time have felt a complete connection with. I gained a sense of closure, reliefe and acceptance of being an adopted child. Oh and I had so much fun!!”
Since the camp the buddies have set up their own Camp Connections Facebook page as a way of keeping in touch, sharing photos and exchanging ideas and interests. They are already planning a get-together as a way of keeping up the connections that they made at camp.
Most of the parents agreed their reasons for attending the camp were to give their children the chance to mix in an adoptive friendly environment and meet new friends and to exchange ideas with other adoptive parents and agreed that the camp had more than met their expectations.
“…give our children the opportunity to get to know other adopted children. Meet other adoptive families, exchange ideas, experiences etc. Have a fun, family weekend.”
“For my family the camp was a very rewarding and memorable experience. The buddies added to this experience allowing our kids to connect with one another by sharing the one main thing they all have in common, adoption.”
