“We had a great experience camping with other adoptive families at camp. It was good to connect with other families and swap stories about parenting and school and many other situations. We were newcomers and found a warm welcome - The atmosphere is friendly, supportive and non judgmental. Best of all was the validation our child felt being able to hang out with other adopted kids and (while camp lasted) belonging to a group where they weren’t ‘different’. The confidence boost has continued beyond camp - and we’re looking forward to renewing and strengthening connections at the next camp!”

“For me, Camp, run by Clare and Lydia is a haven. It is a safe place where we can just be ourselves and know that we’re not going to be judged. It is a place where we get to meet up with people who are going through similar things; people who understand that adoption and special needs parenting are exhausting and draining, but that we still love our children dearly and would do anything for them; people who become good friends and support each other.
It is one of the few places where I feel I can relax.
It is a very needed and special place.”

“Having attended 2 camps it’s very much the highlight of my families year. To be surrounded by others with similar lived experience is a unique and valuable opportunity. The children feel able to be their true selves, they realise they’re not alone in this adoption journey - there are lots of other children just like them, lots of other children with trauma and various diagnoses all here together, understanding each other, sharing their toys, playing and having a great time. As adults able to spend the full weekend with other adoptive parents has created the most fantastic support group - we maintain contact almost daily throughout the year with listening ears, thoughtful minds, sharing tips and ideas and often a shoulder to cry on.  Whilst at camp it feels like a truly safe environment as everyone truly gets it - there is no judgement everyone is accepted and this makes everyone feel loved. It’s a special place to be.”
“Camp provides the best opportunity for the dads to get stuck in! Often the dads find themselves as the main bread winner with mums needing to stay at home as a full time parents given the needs of the children are high. Camp brings them together and they can share experiences and support one another - something that is very difficult to replicate elsewhere.”

“The benefit of camp for some families is that they struggle to go on other holidays due to their children becoming dysregulated in new surroundings and in the company of unfamiliar people and so for some camp (where they are surrounded by familiar people and other children due to it being an annual event attended by the same families and being allocated the same pitch, same entertainment so consistency and familiarity etc) and so camp has an important role in allowing the family to have a successful holiday, perhaps the only one they can have.”
“ We have been to camp for 2 years running and it has made such a difference to our lives. We, as a family look forward to this every year!
We know that we have the best support group with Clare & Lydia and all of the friends we have met at camp and know that they are there whatever questions or advice we need with no judgement as most have the very same experiences. The children enjoy the freedom of being outside, having fun and spending time with the friends they have made at camp.
As a parent of a child with significant needs we feel at ease knowing that everyone there cares, understands and is willing to support us. We hope that we are able to continue these camps for years to come and that our little boy will grow up getting to know everyone and one day have the freedom of all the other little ones too.”
 

“Creating Adoption Networks” actually does do what it says on the tin. Excellently.

Experienced, wise and kind adopters support other adopters through their massively appealing camp, day activities and online fora.  

Adopters and adoptees alike relax in the brilliantly organised events. The camp appeals to all ages of adoptees and provides an invaluable opportunity for families to get to know each other well, not just on a fleeting activity.  The camp is the vehicle for  ever stronger and an ever greater number of new networks to be made. Superb!”

“This was invaluable to us as a family.  My children loved it and have asked are we going again and making plans to bring wheeled toys etc., next time. This was a unique opportunity where like experienced adopters could spend valuable,  relaxing time together over a period of time. 

The children enjoyed playing with others and beginning new friendships. Others picking up from where they left off last time they met up. It was lovely as an adopter to have this opportunity and the camp experience was a perfect setting,  relaxed, fun and with no judgement.  Activities were excellently thought out, varied and appealed to everyone. The entertainment in the evening was great and really fostered relationships and a sense of togetherness. The whatsapp The whatsapp group has enabled us to all stay in touch and give support, emotional and practical support”