August Dillon E-newsletter

"Can camp last 100 days?"

-Korea Camper

Ask any of the parents at camp and they'll tell you how important heritage camps are to their children. They'll talk about how great it is for their kids to not be in the minority; how camps build their confidence; how they learn they aren't alone in dealing with adoption and how the sessions at camps help teach them how to respond to questions or teasing. They'll tell you how much their siblings learn by being part of the minority for a few days and by discovering the rich heritages of their adoptive siblings birth country.

This year we kicked off the camp season in March with Guatemala Weekend. Families took dance lessons and learned how to prepare a traditional Guatemalan meal with Hilda, a native Guatemalan who now teaches dance in Oklahoma City.

Decorating lanterns at Vietnam Weekend.

In June families at Vietnam Weekend were thrilled to see Thomas, our Vietnam coordinator, and hear about his work in Vietnam. Thomas enjoyed introducing his daughter to the families and seeing the children he helped place through Dillon.

Anju, the India orphanage director, visited India Camp this year. She spoke with families about the orphanage and the home for children with special needs in Kolkata, the needs they have and her plans for the future.

Christina Hess donated a bag of baby clothes for the orphanage.

Over 100 parents came to our showing of "Wo Ai Ni Mommy" (I Love You, Mommy) at China Camp in July. The film told the story of eight-year-old Fang Sui Yong, aka Faith Sadowsky, who was adopted by a Jewish family in Long Island, NY. Chinese-American film director Stephanie Wang-Breal also attended camp to talk with the parents.

Upper campers had the chance to participate in the dragon dance at China Camp closing ceremonies.

At Korea Camp the Traditional Korean Musicians group came from South Korea to teach the children traditional songs and dance. The families loved having the opportunity to learn about traditional South Korean music and dance and the musicians said they were very impressed by the families' dedication to camp, even when it required extensive travel. The group generously donated the instruments and costumes they brought to Dillon for use at future camps.

The Traditional Korean Musicians group met Dillon staff on Wednesday before Korea Camp.

Families are still signing up for our African/Caribbean Weekend (scheduled for Aug. 6 and 7 in Tulsa). If you plan to be there contact our camp staff now at (918) 749-4600 or lisa@dillonadopt.com!

Heritage Camps are such an important part of our adoptees' lives, but many of the children who would love to attend depend on camp scholarships. Dillon International depends on our supporters to help us continue to provide scholarships for the kids. If you would like to help with our camp scholarship fund click on the "donate now" link below.

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