Every summer, Holt hosts summer camp for adoptees! This year, camp will meet in Wisconsin, New Jersey and Oregon. Holt camp is an amazing opportunity to connect with other adoptees while having the best kinds of summer fun – swimming, crafts, hiking, skits and more.
One way to get involved with camp is to be a camp counselor. You’ll get to travel, earn a stipend and connect with amazing adoptees of all ages from around the United States. We asked a few former counselors and Holt staff about their experiences working at camp, and this is what they said!
Carden Hamer (she/her) | Leadership Staff | Adopted from Russia
Why did you join Holt Camp staff?
I joined to connect with other adult adoptees, and to help educate younger adoptees!
Was being part of camp staff what you expected?
I think so? I didn’t think I’d be able to relate as much as I did with the rest of the staff, so it was a nice surprise to have so much in common.
How did you grow professionally and/or individually while on staff?
Professionally, I learned how to plan a full day, and time management. As well as learning how to have conversations on growth and progress.
What advice would you give to Adoptees thinking about joining camp staff for the first time?
Go in with an open mind, and be ready to feel emotions you didn’t think you’d experience while working.
Would you do it again?
Yep! In a heartbeat, if my schedule is ever free, lol.
Mani Woodward (he/him) | Counselor | Adopted from India
Why did you join Holt Camp staff?
I joined the Holt community through their outreach dinner at the University of Oregon. Several students at the dinner spoke about their positive experiences at Holt Camp and the community it brought them. I decided to apply because I wanted to experience it for myself.
Was being part of the camp staff what you expected?
Not at all. I expected a children’s camp with all the usual games & activities but what separates Holt camp is the time allotted for the Adoptee talks. Having an hour or two set aside each day to discuss our experiences as adoptees provided a safe space for growth. I wasn’t expecting to learn as much about my own identity through listening to their stories.
How did you grow professionally and individually while on staff?
Oh, one hundred percent. Professionally, I became more cognizant of the various personalities and group dynamics. I have yet to start my career officially, but I know I will. I will encounter the same dynamics in the workplace once I’m there.
Individually, I can’t overstate the growth I went through in terms of my adoptee identity. It took me a couple of camps, but I finally felt comfortable discussing my adoption with my Mom… something I wouldn’t have imagined doing in a million years before Holt Camp.
What advice would you give to Adoptees thinking about joining the camp staff for the first time?
First, sign up immediately. Then prepare for one of the best learning opportunities you will experience. Holt Camp is a unique environment where you can fit in a year’s worth of experiences in only five weeks. There may be some ups and downs, but you are about to meet some incredible individuals who will become your closest friends.
Would you do it again?
Oh, in a heartbeat. I wish I had the time in my schedule to experience an entire camp season, but Med school and my career are now in the way.
Do you have a favorite camp memory?
My favorite memories are the little moments our staff had during our downtime. I loved traveling as a group through the airports, exploring new cities, and staying up way too late to have the occasional deep conversations.
Ashley Adams (she/they) | Counselor and Volunteer | Adopted from South Korea
Why did you join Holt Camp staff?
Like many other staff I wanted to share and help be a part of other people’s adoption journey. I love being a part of a community that has similar adoption stories and getting to learn more about different ones too.
Was being part of camp staff what you expected?
Being on camp staff was not at all what I expected. I thought camp was going to be all fun and games, and it is, but you also get to create beautiful memories with the kids and help them get to know more about their own journeys.
How did you grow professionally and/or individually while on staff?
I’m more used to working independently, but with camp it taught me that it’s okay to rely on others. This past camp season I was able to rely on my fellow camp staffers, whether it was for a break or an ear to listen to me. The work environment was so healthy it gave me a more positive outlook on teamwork.
What advice would you give to Adoptees thinking about joining camp staff for the first time?
It’s really fun and fulfilling. A month of back-to-back training then camp may seem like a long time, but it goes by so fast. You’ll make lifelong connections with both staff and campers.
Would you do it again?
I’m definitely going to continue trying out for camp staff for as long as they’ll have me. The memories alone are what keeps me coming back for more.
Do you have a favorite camp memory?
During California Camp, one of the boys had got to camp and seemed disinterested. He wanted to do his own thing and didn’t want to participate, but as the week went on he started to come out of his shell and really started enjoying camp. By the end when we had our final mini adoption talk he said, “I used to think camp was boring, but now I like it.” Seeing him grow and come to love camp as much as I did was super rewarding!
Chris Childers (he/him) | Counselor and Leader | Adopted from Thailand
Why did you join Holt Camp staff?
I went to Holt Camp every summer growing up. It was something I always looked forward to. As I grew older, I realized I could give back all of my amazing experiences to my adoptee community. I applied as soon as I could.
Was being part of camp staff what you expected?
I didn’t have a lot of expectations going into my first year on staff. I went in with an open mind. That being said, there were a lot of things that surprised me. I didn’t realize how much I would grow as a person during my time on staff. I always liked to think my purpose was for the kids, but I ended up learning so much more about myself than I thought I would.
How did you grow professionally and/or individually while on staff?
Staff members were tasked with holding adoption talks with their cabin every day. Depending on the kids, it could get pretty deep. I believe these times were just as beneficial to me as it was for the kids. Sometimes kids would ask questions that would catch me off guard. I would find myself mulling over them long after cabin talk was over.
What advice would you give to Adoptees thinking about joining camp staff for the first time?
Go into this with a good mentality. You will learn so much. Be vulnerable. Let go of your facade. Most of all, ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely. The six-week commitment is unfortunately not very feasible as an adult, but I really hope I can do it one more time no matter my age.
Holt camp counselors are in for a summer of bonding, travel and meaningful growth! Learn more today.
Sign up to be a Holt Adoptee Camp Counselor!
We’re looking for adoptees who want to serve as camp counselors this year! Join an adoptee community, make an impact on the lives of campers and form lifelong friendships with other staff while building your skills and resume this summer.
