Hi! My name is Cadence Williams, and this is my first year as a committee leader, but I’ve attended five camp conferences as a camper. I was born in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, and currently reside in Charlottesville, Va. I’m a huge music lover and will take any opportunity to attend a concert; you’ll often find me listening to Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, or Noah Kahan. I love animals and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. Being outdoors and by water fuels me, along with coffee and energy drinks. Can’t wait to see you all at camp!
Adoptee Connections
Adopteen
By Adoptees, for 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.
Adopteen Camp-Conference
Early Bird $875/camper*
- Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
- Swarthmore College
- 6 Days, 5 Nights
- July 12-17, 2026
- Ages 13-20
- $975
Join us this year for a week of unforgettable adventures and memories that will last a lifetime! Exciting activities, delicious food, and meaningful friendships are waiting—don’t miss out! Not convinced? Come experience it for yourself!
*Registration Fee covers ALL camp transportation, activities, accommodations, and meals. 15% discount for siblings.
Registration opens Janurary 5!
Early Bird: January 5, 2026 – February 5, 2026
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2026
Adopteen Camp-Conference – Washington, D.C.
$850/Camper*
- American University
- 5 Days, 4 Nights
- June 24 - June 28, 2024
- Ages 13+
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
Adopteen Camp-Conference – Colorado Springs, CO
$925/camper*
- University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
- 6 Days, 5 Nights
- July 15 - July 20, 2024
- Ages 13+
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
Upcoming Events
We have TWO Adopteen Camp-Conferences scheduled for 2024!
Come one, come all—We cannot wait to see everyone!
General Schedule
Each day at camp is a whirlwind of awesome activities that keeps things exciting while still feeling familiar. The schedule changes daily—one day might have a cooking workshop and a group competition, and the next might be a city excursion with a discussion afterward—so no two days are ever the same. But there’s always a familiar mix of excursions, workshops, discussions, games, and other activities that keeps the vibe steady and the fun nonstop. And when evening rolls around, campers get to choose their own adventure: hang with friends, join optional activities (favorites include silent disco and karaoke), or crash early for some serious Zzz’s.
It’s the best of both worlds—organized days with plenty of room to relax, explore, and have a blast.
And yes, we’re basically running on pure joy.
What's in Store
Our workshops are where the real magic happens! Focused on learning, growing, self-exploration, and fun, they give campers hands-on experiences that celebrate identity, culture, and connection. Past favorites have included cooking anything from sweet treats to savory snacks, arts & crafts, and lion dancing. Led by a mix of inspiring community members, outside experts, and our own camp leaders, workshops give campers a chance to reflect on their adoptee experiences, boost confidence, and grow alongside others—while having a blast every step o the way.
Every excursion is an adventure waiting to happen! Campers explore the city around them—whether it’s museums, amusement parks, downtown shops, iconic landmarks, or a splash of nature—while sharing unforgettable moments with friends. Laughs, fun, and endless smiles are guaranteed. Talk about experiences to last a lifetime!
Discussions are where connection happens—a space to share, celebrate, and explore what makes each camper’s story unique. Led by our trained camp leaders, these moments focus on adoptee experiences in a thoughtful, approachable way. Honest conversations with people who just get it. It’s a chance to connect with fellow adoptees, hear from others, reflect a little, and leave feeling understood, inspired, and part of something special.
The result? A week full of “I get it,” “I’m not alone,” and “I belong here.”
Camp Schedule & Activities
We won’t spoil the fun, but we know you’re curious. Take a peek inside our fun-filled week!
Celebration
Inspiration
Pride
Workshops
Our workshops are where the real magic happens! Focused on learning, growing, self-exploration, and fun, they give campers hands-on experiences that celebrate identity, culture, and connection. Past favorites have included cooking anything from sweet treats to savory snacks, arts & crafts, and lion dancing. Led by a mix of inspiring community members, outside experts, and our own camp leaders, workshops give campers a chance to reflect on their adoptee experiences, boost confidence, and grow alongside others—while having a blast every step o the way.
Excursions
Every excursion is an adventure waiting to happen! Campers explore the city around them—whether it’s museums, amusement parks, downtown shops, iconic landmarks, or a splash of nature—while sharing unforgettable moments with friends. Laughs, fun, and endless smiles are guaranteed. Talk about experiences to last a lifetime!
Discussions
Discussions are where connection happens—a space to share, celebrate, and explore what makes each camper’s story unique. Led by our trained camp leaders, these moments focus on adoptee experiences in a thoughtful, approachable way. Honest conversations with people who just get it. It’s a chance to connect with fellow adoptees, hear from others, reflect a little, and leave feeling understood, inspired, and part of something special.
The result? A week full of “I get it,” “I’m not alone,” and “I belong here.”
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.
2026 applications are currently closed
Leadership Team
A superhero team of adoptees making it possible for adoptees around the world to share in celebration, inspiration, and pride.
Applications coming soon!
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.
2026 applications are currently closed
Apply to Serve on the Leadership Committee
Applications are now open for our 2026 Adopteen Leadership Committee. Apply today to play a key part in shaping our Adopteen programming!
Deadline to apply: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Apply to be a Volunteer
Applications are open for volunteer positions for the 2026 Adopteen Camp Conference. If you are passionate about making a different and want to be a part of our next event, we’d love to have you on board!
Deadline to apply: Friday, March 13, 2026
2026 Adopteen Committee
Heron Gaudet
Our Team
Heron Gaudet
Hi! I am Heron Gaudet. I was adopted from China when I was 5 years old. I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Some things I enjoy are watching movies, being a part of the marching band and track and field team, and hanging out with friends. A fun fact about me is my siblings and I are all named after birds.
Kenzie Summervill
Our Team
Kenzie Summervill
HIIIIII!! I’m Kenzie Summervill, a 19-year-old sophomore at K-State majoring in Medical Biochemistry and minoring in Animal Science. I’m on the pre-medical track with my sights set on hopefully going to medical school! Adopted from Jiangxi in 2008, I’ve been part of Adoptween since 2018, have been to 4 Adopteen conferences, and I am SO HYPED to be back for my second year on the committee and 5th camp! When I’m not locked in at the library with organic chemistry or microbiology you can catch me fueling up on chai or pink drinks and eating way too much sushi. I love crafts! 99% of the time I’m either bedazzling something or painting with watercolors! I also have a major weakness for cringey Netflix shows (I’ll never learn!). I love music, reading, and meeting awesome people like YOU! I’m counting down the days until we’re all together in Philly- see ya soon!
Lilli Mueller
Our Team
Lilli Mueller
Hi!! My name is Lilli!! I was adopted from Jiangxi, China, and live outside of Chicago. Although I go to school in Indy at Butler University, where I am studying political science and environmental studies! My hobbies include drinking matcha, listening to music (Laufey and Taylor Swift are my favorites!), reading, and all things arts and crafts! I love collecting new hobbies and am always down for a side quest (especially if there’s a sweet treat involved). In my free time, I also love to run with my friends, and I am currently training for my second marathon!!
This will be my second year on the committee, and I am beyond excited to make new memories and get to know you all this summer!!
Mia Harris
Our Team
Mia Harris
Hi! My name is Mia Harris, I was adopted from Jiangxi, China, and currently live in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. I’m an MSU Denver Biology graduate and currently spend my time working as a dance teacher and a newborn hearing screener. When I’m off the clock, my ideal day would be spent at the beach or enjoying a relaxed morning of sleeping in. I’m also a sucker for blind boxes and am the proud owner of a Build-A-Bear capybara collection! This is my second year on committee, and I can’t wait to jump back into all the fun.
Rachel Clapham
Our Team
Rachel Clapham
Hi all! My name is Rachel Clapham and I just finished my sophomore year at CU Boulder where I am studying architecture. My Adopteen journey started back in 2019. This year will be my 7th camp conference and my first time on committee. In my free time, I love to puzzle, listen to music (mainly kpop!), hike, play mahjong, and bother my roommates in the living room. I’m super excited to meet you all this summer!
Raven Garabo
Our Team
Raven Garabo
Hi! My name is Ravel Garabo. I was adopted from Sichuan, China and am currently living in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I’m the oldest sister of four younger siblings who were all adopted and am currently studying at Widener University as a Creative Writing and English double major, with a minor in Communications. In my free time, I love to read, write, draw, and listen to music. I also enjoy hiking and have a black cat named Oboe 😀
2026 Adopteen Ambassadors
Chandler Harwood
Our Team
Chandler Harwood
Hi everyone! My name is Chandler and I am so excited to be one of your camp counselors for Adopteen 2026 this summer! I was adopted when I was 11 months old from Yulin, which is in the providence of Guanxi, China! I am currently a student at The University of South Carolina located in Columbia, SC, but I live with my mom and my 5 pets in Greenville, SC! A few fun things about me, like I mentioned I have 5 pets. 4 dogs and a cat, they are my world and I love them so much. I am a Psychology major, hoping to pursue a career in youth counseling! I love animals, food, bag charms / pendants, blind boxes, spontaneous trips anywhere, dancing, singing, music, and just being with others! My First Adopteen camp was in 2021, and I have been so blessed to have been a part of it since! I have met so many amazing people through this process, and I am excited to meet even more at this camp!
Lauren High
Our Team
Lauren High
Hi everyone! My name is Lauren High. I’m an adoptee from Guangdong, China and I live in Philadelphia, PA. I am attending Thomas Jefferson University where I’m entering my senior year studying Exercise Science. I am also on the rowing team at my school as a coxswain (aka the person who yells). I would describe myself as an outdoorsy person; I enjoy hiking and walking with friends, family, pets, or running. Fun fact: I ran the Liberty Bell Challenge in Philadelphia which is a half and full marathon in the same weekend. This summer I’m looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces as well as meeting new ones.
Zoe Romero
Our Team
Zoe Romero
Hihi! I’m Zoe, born in 2008 in Jiangxi province, China. I was adopted by American parents and now live in Vancouver, Canada. Some of my favorite things include mango green tea with lots of boba, video games+streaming on Twitch, and watching anything to do with horror. This fall I will be attending University of British Colombia.
2026 Adopteen Ghosts
Faith Miller
Our Team
Faith Miller
Hello! My name is Faith Miller, a fifth year finishing up two degrees at Sonoma State University, studying Business Management and Psychology! When I’m not swamped with work, I can be found lap swimming, being out in nature, and especially being in the kitchen figuring out a new recipe. I have been attending Adopteen since 2023, and the memories I made while I was there kept me coming back. I can’t wait to meet all of you this summer!
Kaiya Tomasik
Our Team
Kaiya Tomasik
Hi everyone! My name is Kaiya and I currently reside in Orlando, FL! I was adopted from Jiangxi and have been in Florida ever since! I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in medical sciences at USF during my gap year in preparation to go to medical school! As of right now, I am working at a preschool and a medical home and during my free time you can catch me playing video games and reading books! I have been a part of adopteen since I was 13, both as a camper and a committee leader and I am super excited to serve as a ghost this year to support everyone involved! Can’t wait to meet you all!
Mary Govan
Our Team
Mary Govan
Hello everybody! My name is Mary Govan and I was adopted from Hubei, China. I live in Charlottesville, VA and am currently a junior 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. I have been part of the Leadership Committee for the past two summers and will be a ghost this summer – it’s going to be a great one!
Some fun facts about me are that I am on the Varsity Sailing Team in college, have five siblings, and am always up for an adventure and trying new things. In my free time, I love knitting, making stained glass pieces, and diving (springboard). 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!
Meghan Willis
Our Team
Meghan Willis
“My name is Meghan Willis, and I was adopted from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I am a recent graduate from The College of Wooster in Ohio and now reside in Pennsylvania, my home state. I studied Anthropology, greatly enjoy the outdoors, as well as drawing and photography!”
Phoebe Miller
Our Team
Phoebe Miller
Hi, y’all, my name is Phoebe. I am a sophomore at the University of Kansas. I am currently studying Journalism with a minor in English literature. In my spare time, I love reading, hanging out with friends, and shopping. I have been a part of adopteen since 2019, this year will be my 8th camp conference. I am excited to see some old and new faces this year and can’t wait for camp.
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!
2026 applications are now closed. We are reviewing them and will be in touch soon with more information!
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 2026 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 2026 Adopteen Event Sponsor, please visit our sponsorship page or contact [email protected] to get started.
Thank you!
Fee Waiver Application
Don’t let the cost of camp keep you from experiencing life-changing, empowering adoptee connections! We have partial and full fee waiver coverage available. Apply for a fee waiver today! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and all submissions are handled with respect and care. Review timelines may vary. Please contact us with any questions.
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ADOPTEEN
ADOPTEEN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 the registration fee, apply for a fee waiver!
We offer several flexible payment options, including Credit Card (3% processing fee), Check, ACH transfer, and Venmo.
Payment plans are available upon request. We also offer full and partial fee waivers and encourage families to apply through our website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and are handled with respect and care.
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.
Each day includes a mix of workshops, excursions, group discussions, games, and other activities, all following a general schedule while still offering variety. Most evenings include free time, with optional activities available, so campers can choose to join in or unwind however they like.
We will pair roommates based on gender preferences, interests, and age
- 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
Cell phones and other electronics are allowed, but we strongly encourage campers to put them away during group activities. If phone use becomes disruptive, then we will address it.
We aim to be as inclusive as possible, but we are a small program and do not have the staff or training to fully support all special needs. Depending on the level of support required, we may be able to accommodate some campers, and we encourage families to reach out in advance to discuss individual needs. Our goal is always to be transparent and ensure the experience is safe and positive for everyone.
For each camp, we provide the recommended airport along with ideal arrival and departure times. We offer airport pickup and drop-off via shuttle service and aim to keep airport wait times under two hours, typically with curbside pickup. Full travel details are shared on our website and pre-camp materials.
Yes! Airport transportation is available to and from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the Swarthmore College campus. Our dedicated volunteer drivers will operate a convenient shuttle service.
- Campers will be picked up and dropped off curbside
- Please note: We are not able to escort campers into the airport or through security. There is clear signage to help guide travelers
- Shuttles will run at scheduled intervals
- Campers will be picked up in groups
- This means you may have a wait time between arrival and pickup. We will try our best to keep wait times no longer than 3 hours
Arrival: morning to early afternoon on July 12 (arrival before 1 PM)
Departure: morning to mid afternoon on July 17 (departure after 12 PM)
We will provide airport pick-up and drop-off services. To best accommodate our schedule, please book your flights within the designated time frames.
If you choose to arrive earlier or depart later than the scheduled days of camp, please note that you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodations.
Please fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). It is a 15 minute drive to Swarthmore campus.
