Adoption Summer Camp

Sunny Ridge Family Center presents: Adoption Summer Camp An eight-week C Camp for Adopted Children ages 10 to 13 Tuesdays, June 21, August 9, 2011, 6:30pm to 8:00pm REGISTER NOW at http://adoptioncamp.eventbrite.com/ or www.sunnyridge.org.

Welcome to Adoption Summer Camp, an eight-week camp designed for adopted children, (domestic or international) ages 10 to 13. Adoption Summer Camp provides adopted children with a fun and creative way to spend their summer nights, while meeting other adopted children and discussing adoption related topics.

Adoption Summer Camp takes place on eight consecutive Tuesday evenings, June 21 to August 9, 2011, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm, at Sunny Ridge Family Center in Bolingbrook, Illinois. A pre-camp assessment is required for each participant. Adoption Summer Camp will focus on common adoption issues, such as identity, loss, feelings, adoption stories, and birth parents while providing a safe, confidential, and fun environment for participants. Snacks and beverages will be served at each night of camp.

SOMETHING FOR PARENTS Two Parent Workshops will be offered concurrently, on Weeks 4 and 6 (Tuesday, July 12 & 26). Then on the final night of Camp (Tuesday, August 9), parents are invited to attend and enjoy Camp with their children.

WHAT TO WEAR/WHAT TO BRING Children attending the Adoption Summer Camp should dress comfortably—shorts, jeans, t-shirts, etc., are all acceptable. Please do not bring any valuable personal items, such as jewelry, iPods, cameras, video game players, etc., as these are not allowed at Camp. Please do not bring food or beverages, as refreshments will be provided.

WHAT IS THE PRE-CAMP ASSESSMENT? A pre-camp assessment is a scheduled 15-minute meeting with a counselor and at least one parent (preferably both if applicable) and then with the child individually. The pre-camp assessment takes place prior to the camp and helps to assess the child’s readiness and willingness to participate in an adoption support group. Pre-camp assessment is required and should be scheduled after registration and no later than June 1, 2011. To schedule your pre-camp assessment, please contact Pam Shepard, LCSW, at Sunny Ridge Family Center, (630) 754-4522.

ATTENDANCE Participants are required to attend a minimum of six of the eight sessions. Regular attendance will provide your child with a quality camp experience and group cohesion among the children. The first session on June 21, 2011 is mandatory. Parents should plan on attending BOTH parent workshops, which occur during weeks 4 and 6, to better understand the complex issues that their children will discuss these weeks. During the pre-assessment, a camp agenda, including topics and activities, will be discussed. CAMP FEE Adoption Summer Camp fee is $350 per child, and includes the eight-week Camp, and two Parent Workshop sessions held during weeks 4 & 6.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration takes place online and begins on Friday, April 1, 2011. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and should be completed as soon as possible. Camp size is a minimum of 5 participants, maximum of 15. You may choose to pay entire Camp fee of $350 when you register, or $175 at registration with the balance due by June 1, 2011. No child will be admitted to participate without payment of entire Camp fee. For more information please call Pam Shepard, LCSW at (630) 754-4522.

REFUND POLICY To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made by 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. No refunds will be made for later cancellations. Cancellations may be made in person, by phone or e-mail.

ADOPTION CAMP SESSIONS Eight Tuesday evening sessions: Tuesday, June 21 - Child Camp (mandatory) Tuesday, June 28 - Child Camp Tuesday, July 5 - Child Camp Tuesday, July 12 - Child Camp & Parent Workshop Tuesday, July 19 - Child Camp Tuesday, July 26 - Child Camp & Parent Workshop Tuesday, August 2 - Child Camp Tuesday, August 9 - Child Camp (Parents attend) NOTE: All Camp Sessions begin promptly at 6:30pm and conclude at 8:00pm. Please be sure your Camp participant arrives on time. Parents should plan to pick up their child no later than 15 minutes after the conclusion of each Session.

A TYPICAL EVENING AT CAMP* 6:30PM Welcome & Ice Breakers 6:45PM Adoption-related activities 7:15PM Adoption-related discussion 7:40PM Games 7:55PM Wrap Up 8:00PM Close

*Order of activities subject to change SUNNY RIDGE POST ADOPTION SERVICES The Post Adoption Services at Sunny Ridge Family Center provide adopted children and families continued support through parent education workshops and seminars, guided discussion groups for both adoptive parents and adoptees, summer camps and groups for adoptees, and adoption-competent individual and family counseling services. Sunny Ridge is an Illinois Licensed Child Welfare Agency, License #019976.