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Adoptee Connections

Adopteen

For Teenaged Adoptees, By Teenaged Adoptees

About

Adopteen is focused on providing positive and empowering, in-person connection spaces for teenaged adoptees to celebrate, inspire, and take pride in themselves and one another. 100% organized and led by teen and young adult adoptees, for teen and young adult adoptees, Adopteen events are priceless, precious experiences that are very close to our hearts. There’s nothing quite like it!
 
Adopteen Camp-Conferences are joyful, jam-packed events that allow adoptees from all walks of life to spend authentic time together, exploring a new city, learning from each other, and mapping out new adventures on this crazy adoption journey.
Sponsor & Donate
Adopteen helped me accept my identity at a time when I was questioning who I was and who I wanted to be. I absolutely love the community of friends I have made. Today, I consider these friends to be people I can call up any time, day or night, and they'd have my back because our connections are for life.
Lilliana F.'22 Committee Member
I couldn’t be happier with the doors that have been opened for my son because of Adopteen. I'm only sorry that I hadn’t learned about Adopteen sooner! I would absolutely, without reservation, recommend this camp to everyone.
Eric H.Adoptive Dad
In 2018, I struggled with depression and an identity crisis. My mom encouraged me to attend Adopteen and I found the unexplainable "things" I’d been looking for. I found people who could simply understand and relate. I found a safe haven. It's been years now and I am so thankful for this community.
Sara P.'18 Camper
This is the first activity my child has come home from visibly changed. She was excited (actually excited!) to have people to share her experiences with that understood her… She has been withdrawn since the pandemic started and has really struggled to find a friend group she connects with. When I picked her up at the airport after camp, she was GUSHING with stories… All of this change and acceptance in just 5 days! I could never recreate an experience like this for her on my own. Simply priceless!
Ellen H.Adoptive Mom
Adopteen is a home away from home. It's a place where I can talk about adoption freely and openly without it being a big deal, a place where I can just be myself, and a place to connect with people who get me.
Maddox'21 Committee Member
My 15-year-old son has been struggling with his adoption for years and has never really had any friends with whom he could identify with or share his feelings. I discovered Adopteen through Facebook searches… I couldn’t be more thrilled with the impact this organization has had on his confidence! My son came home glowing with tales of all the friends he had made. A man of few words, his one-word answer to my question about how this experience made him feel was, “Relief.” Adopteen has opened a world to him that has and will surely continue to change his life.
Chris FAdoptive Dad
Being involved with Adopteen has impacted my life so profoundly, it's hard to find words. Thanks to Adopteen, I have met and connected with other adoptees who can relate to the struggles and confusion surrounding it all. There's a sense of belonging I have never experienced anywhere else. It's about coming together collectively and connecting our shared aspects of adoptive identities and creating a community out of it all.
Luke'21 Camper
Adopteen is so special to me because it was the first time I ever felt welcome and understood in the often-intimidating adoption community. When I stepped into Adopteen, it was like a lightbulb went off. We were all adopted, but all so different and it was all beautiful! I keep a special place in my heart for Adopteen. Even now, it remains a safe place for me to go and process my identity as an adoptee and I always leave feeling unconditional support and validation. I have found amazing lifelong friends through Adopteen and am thankful we have been able to grow together as teens and now as adults.
Jenny T.'18 Conference Coordinator
My daughter has learned so much from Adopteen. It has really helped her with her sense of identity and self. It has been a joy witnessing her growth into a proud, confident young woman and I credit much of that to Adopteen's beautiful celebration, inspiration, and pride.
Jill C.Adoptive Mom
I made huge strides in my self-confidence and sense of identity because of Adopteen and that is what keeps me coming back year after year. Adopteen has always and will always hold the most special place in my heart. The staff care so much about each individual's experience that comes to their programming, and you can tell by the effort and quality of each camp year after year. Their genuine care makes such a difference.
Jamie S.'22 Camper
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Upcoming Events
Leadership Team
Scholarships
FAQ

Adopteen Camp-Conference – Washington, D.C.

$850/Camper*

Adopteen is coming back to Washington, D.C. in 2024 and we are SO excited! It’s been 8 years since we were last in the beautiful Capitol. We cannot wait to make new memories and revisit our favorite spots with new friends. Join us for five days and four nights of pure, patriotic bliss. 
 
*Registration Fee covers ALL camp transportation, activities, accommodations, and meals. 15% discount for siblings.
 
Registration Deadline: May 24, 2024
View Sample Schedule
Register Now

Adopteen Camp-Conference – Colorado Springs, CO

$925/camper*

Taking us closer to some of our most favorite scenic spots and revisiting one of our favorite campuses (shoutout 2019!), you know we’re ready to keep the good times going with six days and five nights of vibes on vibes on vibes in the good ol’ Rocky Mountains. 
 
*Registration Fee covers ALL camp transportation, activities, accommodations, and meals. 15% discount for siblings.
 
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2024
View Sample Schedule
Register Now

Upcoming Events

We have TWO Adopteen Camp-Conferences scheduled for 2024!

Come one, come all—We cannot wait to see everyone!

Event Staff

Adopteen Event Staff are the captains of every beautiful Adopteen Camp-Conference ship. Sure, they are the stamps of approval, the final decision, the swing vote…but they’re also everyone’s main contact, the late-night superheroes, and the greatest humans on Earth. No big deal.

Leadership Team

A superhero team of adoptees making it possible for adoptees around the world to share in celebration, inspiration, and pride.

Leadership Committee

The Adopteen Leadership Committee is the team of volunteers that plans, promotes, and supports all that is Adopteen Camp-Conference. They are the camp counselors, the party-starters, the truest of homies, and overall lifesavers and we could never do what we do without them.

Apply to Serve on 2025 Leadership Committee

Applications are now open for our 2025 Adopteen Leadership Committee. Apply today to play a key part in shaping our 2025 Adopteen programming!

*Tentative dates for 2025 Adopteen Camp-Conference are either July 14-19, 2025 or July 21-26, 2025. Tentative location: Denver, CO.*

Apply Today

Adopteen 2024 Staff Team

Chloe Deskin

Camp Director

Bio
Our Team

Chloe Deskin

Camp Director

Hi everyone, my name is Chloe and I am proud to be your Camp Director for both Adopteen camps this summer! I started Adopteen in 2013, and have been a part of many different Adopteen leadership committees, but this is my first time stepping into the role of Camp Director – I couldn’t be more excited!

I was adopted when I was 11 months from Guangxi, China and grew up in Denver, CO.  I now live in Los Angeles and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Psychology at Pepperdine University. In my spare time I love to take naps, try new cafes in LA, and hang out with friends. What I love about Adopteen the most is that it is a place you can be your most authentic self without feeling judged, meet people with similar experiences, and have fun. I can’t wait to meet you all this summer! 🙂

Grace Roane-Hopkins

Washington, D.C. Assistant Camp Director

Bio
Our Team

Grace Roane-Hopkins

Washington, D.C. Assistant Camp Director

Hey everyone, my name is Grace! I was adopted from Nanjing, China, but grew up in Pennsylvania. My first involvement with Adopteen was the 2014 Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip, which was such a fun and memorable experience. I was also at the 2014 San Diego Camp-Conference as a committee member! I’m so excited to reconnect with this amazing organization and be a part of the 2024 Washington D.C. Camp Conference!

A little bit about me, I graduated from college in 2020 and actually currently work/live in D.C as a travel nurse (and I can’t say enough good things about this area!). I love to travel, workout, and find new yummy food spots! So excited to meet you all this summer! 🙂 

Natalie Schneider

Colorado Assistant Camp Director

Bio
Our Team

Natalie Schneider

Colorado Assistant Camp Director

Hi friends! 

My name is Natalie Schneider and I am a Chinese adoptee living just north of Denver! I’m a Regis University graduate with a degree in Communication and I’ve been boppin’ around the Adopteen community since 2013, as well as growing up attending other adoption camps and events since I was a little kid. I love plants, reading and cooking as well as photography, which I am trying to get back into this year! I’m thrilled to be back with Adopteen this summer as Assistant Camp Director and I am looking forward to meeting all of you super cool humans! 

Adopteen 2024 Leadership Committee

Hannah Bouska

Washington, D.C. Committee

Bio
Our Team

Hannah Bouska

Washington, D.C. Committee

Hi there! My name is Hannah Bouska, and I’m a graduate from Colorado State University! Since graduating, I’ve been working hard at my job as a tenth grade English teacher and literacy specialist. I was adopted from Guangdong, China when I was seven months old and have been lucky enough to spend most of my life in Boulder, CO. In my free time, I love reading, spending time in the sun, listening to podcasts, going to the gym, playing soccer, and hanging out with my friends. I love cats, painting, SZA, and rescuing worms from the sidewalk after rain.

I’ve been involved in Adopteen since my first conference in 2015 (San Diego, baby!) and was lucky enough to attend the Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip in 2019. This summer, I’m most excited to return to a leadership role in a community that is near and dear to my heart. Most of all, I hope to be the type of role model I needed when I was a teen and to create a loving, positive community for young people in the adoption community.

Joy Bunch

Washington, D.C. & Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Joy Bunch

Washington, D.C. & Colorado Committee Member

Hiya everyone! My name is Joy, I am currently based in Missouri and I was born in Hong Kong! I have been apart of Adopteen since 2018, Minneapolis being my first camp conference as a camper! I transitioned into committee during the 2020 virtual camp, so I am sure if you are a returning camper, we have crossed paths! If you are a new camper, I’m ready to make some new friends!

Some fun anecdotes about me, I have a Graphic Design degree but also specialize in Jewelry, so one of my side hobbies is silver smithing! Anyone who knows me also know I am a big K-pop lover and I have been running a small kpop business out of my home since sophmore year of college. Please feel free to come to me to chat anything K-pop, I can yap about it all day. I am also quite the concert goer, all genres not just Kpop! However, don’t be fooled by my extrovert like personality. I am in fact an introvert which just means I enjoy my alone time haha, but my social battery is fully charged and ready for camp!! I can’t wait to make some fun memories with you all!! 🙂

Kaiya Tomasik

Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Kaiya Tomasik

Colorado Committee Member

Hi everyone! My name is Kaiya and I’m adopted from Jiangxi, China! I’m from Orlando, Florida and I am currently a senior studying cellular neuroscience at FAU. I love learning about the brain, and my ultimate goal is to go to medical school and become a neurologist! I have been involved with Adopteen since 2017 and immediately fell in love! 

I love my many animals at home and playing video games in my free time. You can also find me reading books (I absolutely love reading). Avocados are my favorite fruit, sloths are my favorite animals and they will forever have a special place in my heart! I am mostly looking forward to building strong relationships and unforgettable friendships with everyone!!! Can’t wait to meet you all!

Karson Case

Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Karson Case

Colorado Committee Member

Hello hello! My name is Karson, and I am your favorite viral superstar. I am from Centennial, Colorado but currently reside in Orange County, California. I am studying Editing for Film and Television Production at Chapman University and couldn’t be more in love with it. I was adopted from Jiangxi, China, and have fallen in love with Adopteen Camp Conferences ever since I attended in 2018. This will be my 2nd time on Committee and 6th Conference overall! When not immersed in projects, I can be found watching Drag Race, playing board games, and taking a well-deserved nap. I am beyond excited to be at the Colorado Springs Conference and I can’t wait to see you there!

Lian McGuane

Washington, D.C. Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Lian McGuane

Washington, D.C. Committee Member

Hola hola! My name is Lian and I am bilingual, but not in Chinese. I was adopted from Hunan, China and I grew up and currently live in Binghamton, NY. I graduated SUNY Broome and Geneseo University with an associate’s degree in Physical Therapy and a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Spanish. My interests and hobbies are constantly changing but I love watching anime and reality TV shows, playing video games on my Switch, exploring new parks, and going on long hikes, runs, and bike rides to relax. Some fun facts about me are that I studied in Spain, rode horses competitively, and have 4 pets!  

I’ve been involved with Adopteen since 2017 North Carolina, and loved it so much I returned for 2018 Minnesota and 2019 Colorado! The following years I was busy at college but I’m excited for my return this summer and hope to create the welcoming and safe space I experienced back at my first Adopteen where I finally felt a sense of belonging! 

Maddox Ciesluk

Washington, D.C. & Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Maddox Ciesluk

Washington, D.C. & Colorado Committee Member

Hey, I’m Maddox Ciesluk! Adopted from Hanzhong, China, at age 6, I’ve been involved with Adopteen since 2017, transitioning from camper to leader in 2020. Currently, I’m studying Culinary Science & Product Development at Johnson & Wales University. My dream? To innovate in the food industry or open a restaurant. Cooking and eating are my passions, but cleanup? Not so much. I also enjoy gaming, movies, anime, music, and food talk. Let’s make this experience great for everyone! We’re in for a blast!

Maddy Buetow

Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Maddy Buetow

Colorado Committee Member

Hi everyone, my name is Maddy and I was adopted from Guangzhou, China, grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and (just recently) moved to Denver, Colorado! I graduated from UW-Madison and currently work as an associate at a strategy and technology consulting firm. 

Last year was the first time I was involved with Adopteen and have since been attending more adoptee and asian-centric events to explore more of my culture and heritage. In my free time, I enjoy painting, biking, reading, and especially traveling – last year, I was fortunate enough to visit six different countries! A fun fact about me is that I’m learning Russian. 

This summer I’m looking forward to seeing new and old faces and creating some amazing memories with an amazing community!

Malia Recker

Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Malia Recker

Colorado Committee Member

Hello everyone! I’m Malia Recker, and I’m delighted to share a bit about myself with all of you. Born in Anqing, China, I was adopted at the age of 9 months and grew up in the beautiful landscapes of Grand Junction, Colorado. Currently, I’m finishing up my third year at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where I’m majoring in applied mathematics with a concentration in computer science, and minoring in women’s and gender studies. My journey with Adopteen started as a camper in 2019 and 2021, and last year I had the fantastic opportunity to serve on the committee. It was an enriching experience that profoundly impacted me, allowing me to forge countless connections.

When I’m not buried in homework, you can catch me hitting the slopes, scaling rocks, camping under the stars, or thrifting cool finds. I also enjoy spending quality time with friends and family and I’m a sucker for sour candy and popcorn! Serving on the camp committee last year was amazing, and I am thrilled about the prospect of bringing even more energy and fun to Colorado Springs! See you there!

Mary Govan

Washington, D.C. Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Mary Govan

Washington, D.C. Committee Member

Hello everybody! My name is Mary Govan and I was adopted from Hubei, China. I am currently a first-year at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a major in Psychology and minors in Special Education and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. I have been a part of Adopteen since 2019 when I attended my first Camp-Conference in Colorado Springs, CO and this is my first summer being part of the Leadership Committee!

Some fun facts about me are that I am on the Varsity Sailing Team in college, I have five siblings, I am always up for an adventure and trying new things, and love the TV shows Ghosts, Ted Lasso, All Creatures Great and Small, and The Good Place. This summer, I am most looking forward to meeting new campers and reuniting with returning campers, creating lasting memories, and helping to make this the best week of the summer for everyone. I am super excited to see you all there!

Mira Rausch

Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Mira Rausch

Colorado Committee Member

Hello! I’m Mira Rausch, one of your Adopteen leaders this year! Currently I am a student at the University of Kansas studying Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology and minor in Health Information Management. I am from Luoyang, China, and my Adopteen journey started in 2018 in Denver. This year will be my first as a leader!  When I’m not walking the endless hills of KU you can find me Chinese Lion dancing, working at the natural history museum, or at Clinton lake staring at the stars. I can’t wait to meet you all this summer!

Paige Lewis

Washington, D.C. & Colorado Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Paige Lewis

Washington, D.C. & Colorado Committee Member

My name is Paige and I currently reside in Kansas City, Missouri. I graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2022 and have since been working at a digital advertising company as a Programmatic Specialist that builds campaigns and reports out on performance for our client’s advertisements! In my free time, I enjoy reading webtoons, watching anime, drinking overpriced coffee, painting/drawing, and taking as many naps as humanly possible. I attended my first Adopteen as a camper in Denver 2017 and have continued coming back ever since! Adopteen is always a highlight of my year and I hope it will be for you too, regardless if you’re a returning camper or brand new! I hope to create the same loving, comfortable, and friendly environment I felt at my first Adopteen! Can’t wait to meet you and see what this summer holds!

Zane Cleghorn

Washington, D.C. Committee Member

Bio
Our Team

Zane Cleghorn

Washington, D.C. Committee Member

Hola Hola 🙂 My name is Zane Cleghorn and I am a Chinese adoptee from Henan. I live near Seattle, Washington but I will be completing my bachelor’s degree in Geology from Montana State University and starting my master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts, studying Geophysics. With that said, I love the rocks and going out exploring, hiking, eating the rocks. When I’m not staring at the ground, I love to play tennis every day if I can! I also like to cook, play the trumpet, watch anime, and read manga. Watching trashy reality t.v. is a guilty pleasure of mine. My favorite fun fact is I’ve been hit by a car biking! But studying abroad in Taiwan was pretty fun, too.

This will be my first experience with Adopteen, so I am very excited to meet this community and make new friends! I have worked as a counselor for another adoptee camp called Holt Camp the two previous summers and will again this summer after Adopteen. I look forward to tell my friends there about Adopteen and see the adoptee community grow! I’ll see you all soon!!!

Donate to our Adopteen Scholarship Fund

ADopteen Scholarship Fund helps ensure that Adopteen events remain accessible to all

Funds are distributed on a case-by-case basis.
 
Do not let the cost of registration keep you from accessing life-changing, empowering adoptee community connections!
Apply Today
Donate Today

Camp Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, our Adopteen Scholarship Fund exists solely to provide financial assistance to campers who are unable to cover the costs of attending an Adopteen Camp-Conference.

Adopteen for all.

Become a Sponsor

We are in need of motivated sponsors for our 2024 Adopteen Camp-Conferences.

Support Adopteen Camp-Conferences with a Sponsorship

Sponsorship Packages available at all levels

Our Camp-Conferences rely on generous donors and sponsors to help make these life-changing events a reality!

If you are interested in becoming a 2025 Adopteen Event Sponsor, please visit our sponsorship page or contact adopteen@theparkcommunity.org to get started.

Thank you!

More Information

Adopteen

FAQ

Something else on your mind? 

Contact Us
  • Roommates and suite-mates must be the same gender identity.*
  • Adults (18 & Older) cannot be roomed with Minors (13-17)**
  • Campers must sleep in their assigned beds
  • Open door policy if room is being visited by campers other than those assigned to the room

*Gender neutral rooming options are available

**Exceptions can be made with parental consent from all parties for Colorado Springs. However, roommate age restrictions in Washington, D.C. are a hard-line rule.

Adopteen Camp-Conference refund policy is as follows:

  • Any cancelation within 31 days prior to Camp-Conference is guaranteed a 100% full refund.
  • Any cancelation between 30-14 days prior to Camp-Conference will be refunded to the best of our ability, minus any non-refundables that have already been paid by Adopteen to venues and merchants.
  • Any cancelation between 13-0 days prior to Camp-Conference will receive 25% refund.

**If a camper is unable to attend Camp-Conference due to any unforeseen emergency or distress before or during Camp-Conference, we will do our best to refund as much as possible.

Your registration fee covers ALL accommodations, food, activities, and transportation for the event, including airport pick-up and drop-offs.

The registration fee does not cover airfare or any additional nights outside of the schedule (ex. Arriving the night before camp). If you are in need of financial aid to help cover any portion of the registration fee or any transit fees, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship!

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