Pact Family Camp

We are committed to ensuring a safe, positive, and supportive space for adoptive parents of color and their families, who are too often under-served in adoption. Parents of color currently make up about one-third of the adoptive parents attending Pact Family Camp. We cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, multiracial community for all participating families. However, we recognize that adoptive parents of color have different priorities than white transracial adoptive parents. We offer options throughout the week that allow adoptive parents of color to choose programming designed specifically to meet their needs, and gather in affinity spaces designated exclusively for them.

“So many of us expressed our relief with the number of POC-headed families and the time set aside for us each day.  It is incredible to find an organization that understands and values the experiences of adoptive parents of color.”—Adoptive parent of color

At Pact Family Camp, white parents of adopted and fostered children of color make up about two-thirds of the adults in attendance. We offer specific programming focused on parenting across racial lines and “brave spaces” in which to explore concepts of racial identity, including white supremacy and white fragility. We place great value on creating opportunities for everyone to interact as a multiracial community, while recognizing the value of having affinity groups where folks can dig deeply into the complex intersections of race, adoption and identity for children who are adopted transracially.

“Camp changed our lives. Though we considered ourselves to be aware of the intensity of the journey we are on, Pact Camp renewed our dedication to the raising of a strong black woman and of continuing to be the anti-racist advocates that we have been, but on a more active level. It gave us information and tools to be better parents.”– White transracial adoptive parent

In too many adoption settings, first/birth parents and their families are marginalized and made to feel unwelcome. We are delighted when adoptive and first/birth families in open adoptions can attend Pact Family Camp together, as a way of deepening their relationships. First/birth parents are included in Camp as full program participants, and some serve as guest speakers or counselors. We offer opportunities for first/birth parents to gather as a group at Camp for peer support and education.

“Pact Camp is a community unlike any other. It continually awakens awareness and compassion for everyone impacted by adoption. Knowing that I am not alone and have a safe space to share my feelings and questions–the most important thing for me was being around others who either share my experience or value my experience; helping me to release the emotional pain of my decision.”—First/Birth Parent Camper

At Pact, we believe in placing the needs of adopted people at the center of our work. No one knows more about the experience of adopted children of color than adult adoptees of color. Each year 30-50 adult adoptees and former foster youth of color participate in Pact Family Camp, primarily as youth counselors and guest speakers. Listening deeply to and learning from the expertise of adopted adults of color is an absolutely essential part of Pact Family Camp.

“Every exchange – and I truly do mean every exchange – was such an incredible opportunity to grow, to learn and to challenge myself in a way that I hope brings forth real change in my own life.  The chance to stretch myself and to be given multiple opportunities to do so much meaningful and relevant self-exploration in a safe, supportive and loving community is nothing short of a true gift  – and I am truly indebted to you both for providing this profound experience in my life.”– Adult adoptee