By Kidsave Staff | Development Coordinator
For older kids in foster care, joining Kidsave isn’t always an easy decision. After years of disappointment – being shuffled from home to home, experiencing constant change – it’s understandably difficult for some kids to trust adults and to believe that they will have a voice in building meaningful connections. And because of the trauma they’ve experienced, many have even more doubt that they will ever find a family. Fortunately, we’ve proven time and time again that our Family Visit Model works.
Still, we empathize with our kids and their initial hesitancy; we want to give them an idea of who we are and why they can rely on us to look out for their best interests. That’s how our annual Camp Connect trip in Los Angeles was born!
Our annual Camp Connect event was held in August for kids in our LA Weekend Miracles program and for those who are just considering becoming involved with Kidsave. Camp Connect is an opportunity for youth who are ambivalent about adoption to enjoy a weekend full of fun activities, like rock climbing, ziplining, and making s’mores around the campfire. Camp Connect isn’tjust about fun and games, though. While the kids are at camp, we host workshops designed to help them build their confidence and better understand what kind of relationships they’re looking for from adults.
Sandra Gutierrez, Kidsave’s LA Weekend Miracles Program Manager, says:
“For me, one of the most beautiful things about Camp Connect was watching the kids show up for each other. They supported each other through difficult times, gave hugs when there were tears and cheered each other on when they went onstage to dance! Having that kind of support from your peers is priceless at any age.”
At the end of the weekend, each child learns a lot about themselves, what they’re looking for, and what they value. Some heart-tugging revelations they shared with us are, “I learned to appreciate the small things in life and enjoy being a part of something,” and, “I learned that I matter.”
Deciding to join our LA Weekend Miracles program is up to them - some do, others don’t. But we at Kidsave are grateful to provide all of them with an experience we hope will give them a lasting sense of self-worth and community.
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