At Kindred Hearts, we often talk about the importance of connection, identity, and belonging for adopted children. While every adoption story is unique, many adopted youth share a common experience: the feeling of being different.
Sometimes that difference shows up in small moments — classroom family tree assignments, questions from peers, or wondering why their story doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Other times it shows up in deeper ways, as youth begin to make sense of their identity and their place in the world.
One of the most powerful things we can offer adopted youth during these developmental years is something simple, yet profound: A community of peers who understand their experience.
That is exactly why Camp Kindred exists.
A Place Where Kids Don’t Have to Explain Their Story
Camp Kindred is a week-long therapeutic summer camp for adopted youth ages 8–12. It was created to support children during the latency stage of development — a time when kids are beginning to think more deeply about identity, belonging, and where they fit in.
At camp, something special happens almost immediately. Kids realize they are surrounded by other youth whose families were also formed through adoption. The questions they often feel asked in the outside world simply disappear. Instead of needing to explain their story, they can just be kids.
We often hear campers say things like: “Everyone here is like me.” and “I didn’t know there were this many adopted kids.”
That sense of shared experience can be incredibly powerful.
A Trauma-Informed Camp Experience
Camp Kindred is built on principles learned through the Trauma-Informed Camp Course developed by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPCID) at Texas Christian University. This training equips Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) practitioners to create therapeutic camp experiences, modeled after the original Hope Connection camps, where many of the foundational TBRI approaches were first developed and implemented.
These camps were designed with a simple but powerful goal: to create environments where children impacted by early adversity can experience felt safety, connection, and belonging, while learning skills that support regulation, relationships, and resilience.
Camp Kindred brings these same principles to adoptive youth in our community. While the week includes the fun and adventure children expect from summer camp — games, outdoor activities, and creative experiences — it is intentionally structured around trauma-informed and attachment-focused practices.
Our team includes professionals trained in TBRI and trauma-informed care, ensuring that activities and interactions support the developmental and relational needs of adopted youth.
Throughout the week, campers have opportunities to:
- Build confidence and a positive sense of identity
- Strengthen peer relationships and social skills
- Practice emotional regulation and problem-solving
- Experience supportive relationships with caring adults
- Connect with other youth who share the experience of adoption
One of the most meaningful outcomes of Camp Kindred is that youth realize they are not alone in their story. Being surrounded by peers who share the adoption experience often creates an immediate sense of belonging and understanding.
Camp also includes a Counselor in Training (CIT) program, where adopted teens serve as mentors for younger campers. This creates a powerful cycle of connection — younger children see older youth who share their experience and are thriving, while teens build leadership skills and positive identity around their adoption story.
The Power of Community
One of the most meaningful aspects of Camp Kindred is that it doesn’t just impact the campers — it strengthens the entire adoptive community.
Friendships formed at camp often continue long after the week is over. Many campers reconnect at Kindred Hearts respite events, support groups, and other community programs throughout the year.
Parents frequently tell us that camp becomes a turning point for their child — a moment when they begin to feel more confident in who they are and where they belong.
Registration is Now Open
We are excited to share that Camp Kindred registration is now open for this summer.
Camp is open to adopted youth ages 8–12, and space is limited in order to maintain the supportive environment that makes the experience so meaningful.
If your child has attended before, you already know how special this week can be. If this will be their first year, we would love to welcome them into the Camp Kindred community.
Camp Dates: Monday, June 15th – Friday, June 19th 8:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Anderson River Park
Our Mission
At Kindred Hearts, our mission is to provide resources, guidance, and a sense of community to adoptive families, empowering them to navigate the challenges and joys that come with adoption.
Camp Kindred is one small but powerful part of that mission — helping adopted youth experience the message every child deserves to hear: You belong.
Haley Bagnaschi | Executive Director
