By Kathy Bednarek
In reviewing the year (2001), one of the highlights was the trip that my daughter Ellie (age 6) and I took to North Carolina for "Camp China" in July. We traveled with two of Ellie's friends (Emily and Katie) and their mothers (Lynne and Nancy). It was quite a road trip! The six of us fit snugly but comfortably in Nancy's van for the journey. The trip took us two days (each way), as we planned plenty of time for rest stops. The girls (and moms) spent the travel time by coloring, telling and listening to stories, watching video tapes ("Bugs Bunny" was the favorite!), singing, and sleeping.
We arrived at the YMCA of the Smoky Mountains on Friday afternoon, just in time for registration and dinner. The camp's theme was "year of the snake," and the children were grouped by age. Ellie and Emily were "Golden Corn Snakes." Katie was a "Blue Boa." There were "Raspberry Rattlers," "Jade Cobras," and "Pink Coral Snakes." The children and adults were issued T-shirts that coordinated with the group names. This made the group gatherings quite colorful!
The children stayed with their groups for morning activities on Saturday and Sunday. Classes included dance, singing, martial arts, geography, story-telling, and arts/crafts. Counselors were Asian-American teenagers and young adults. While the children rotated through their activities, parents were involved in group discussions on issues related to adoption and Chinese culture. The afternoons were "free" for families to enjoy as they wished. Ellie learned to jump off the diving board (first time!) and loved playing in the creek that meandered through the beautiful grounds. She found "gold" and crayfish!
The highlight of the weekend was the camp "show" on Sunday evening. Each group presented a song or dance that they had worked on during the morning sessions. Although the children had only worked together for two days, they did a wonderful job. The instructors were fantastic! Smiles were everywhere and it was evident that the kids were very proud of themselves.
"Camp China" lasted only three days, but its benefits continue to be felt in our family. Ellie still remembers the "fan dance" that she learned at camp and loves to perform it for family and friends. She even taught it to her cousins over the Thanksgiving holiday! More importantly, Ellie still talks about the fun time that she and her friends had at camp. "Camp China" contributed to positive feelings that Ellie has about her Chinese heritage and about adoption. I couldn't ask for anything more!
We won't be able to attend "Camp China" this summer, but I'm planning on making it a biannual event, if possible. As Ellie gets older, the benefits of camp will become more important. Issues of self-confidence and identity continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence, and it seems to me opportunities like "Camp China" can provide children with positive ways of dealing with these important stepping stones to maturity. |
