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*

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*

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*

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

Adopteen 2025 Staff Team

Maddie Gustafson

Adoptee Programs Coordinator

Our Team

Maddie Gustafson

Adoptee Programs Coordinator

Hi friends! My name is Maddie and I am from Golden, Colorado. I graduated in May 2024 with a degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and hope to pursue a PhD in Psychology in the near future. Let’s nerd out and talk about anything brain or psychology related! 

In my free time, I love to crochet and knit, and was heartbroken when Joann filed for bankruptcy. I am a Chaco enthusiast and you will catch me wearing them even when there is snow on the ground. I will befriend any dog I meet and kill just about any plant I buy (though I have a couple going strong right now, cross your fingers for me).

I grew up going to Chinese Heritage Camp and first joined the Adopteen fam as a camper back in 2017. I came back in 2018, took part in the Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip in 2019, and reconnected with everyone last year at Beyond Adopteen. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with open arms, and now I’m excited to help create that same sense of belonging for you, whether you’re a returning or new camper! Can’t wait to meet you and see what kind of awesome memories we’ll make this summer!!

Maddox Ciesluk

2025 Camp Director

Our Team

Maddox Ciesluk

2025 Camp Director

Knock knock… it’s me! Maddox Ciesluk. I am 22 years old and have graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a major in Culinary Science & Product Development. I now live in St. Louis, Missouri, where I work as a Food Scientist for an ingredients technology company, creating new and innovative food products. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, mostly the eating part and not the cleaning. I also love watching anime and listening to music, with Linkin Park being my favorite band.

My first camp conference was in 2017 in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I’ve been attending ever since. Adopteen is something that holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to participate every year I can. I hope we can exceed your expectations, whether you’re a new or returning camper. The connections and friendships I’ve made along the way are something I truly cherish, and I hope to help create the same fun, exciting experience for others. I’m excited to welcome you all and can’t wait to see you there, ready to create unforgettable memories together!

Paige Lewis

2025 Camp Director

Our Team

Paige Lewis

2025 Camp Director

Hey, I’m Paige! I live in Kansas City, Missouri, and I’m a 2022 graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia. I currently work as a marketing specialist at a digital advertising company, where I build campaigns and track performance for our clients. In my free time, I enjoy reading webtoons, watching anime, sipping on overpriced coffee, cozy gaming, drawing, and taking naps whenever I can.

I first attended Adopteen as a camper in Denver back in 2017, and I’ve been coming back ever since. It’s always a highlight of my year, and I’m excited to help make it a great experience for you too—whether you’re returning or new to camp. I hope to create the same welcoming, comfortable atmosphere that I felt when I first joined. Looking forward to meeting you and seeing what this summer brings!

Adopteen 2025 Leadership Committee

Hannah Bouska

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Hannah Bouska

2025 Committee Member

Hi there! My name is Hannah Bouska, and I’m super excited to be part of your leadership team this summer! Since graduating from Colorado State University in 2018, 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, cherry tomatoes, and rescuing worms from the sidewalk after rain.

I’ve been involved in Adopteen for ten whole years, since my first conference in 2015 (San Diego, baby!) and was lucky enough to attend the Adoptees Giving Back Orphanage Service Trip to Xi’an, China 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 create a loving, positive community for my adopted peeps and to become the type of role model I needed when I was a teenager myself. 

Jill Vinci

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Jill Vinci

2025 Committee Member

Hello everyone! My name is Jillian Vinci and I am a rising Senior at the University of Florida. I am studying Health Education and Behavior and wanting to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. A few of my interests include cooking, playing pickleball, traveling, and being a foodie enthusiast! The first Adopteen camp I attended was back in 2018 and I cannot wait to share my enjoyment and excitement!

Kailei Davison

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Kailei Davison

2025 Committee Member

I was born in Hunan, China and was adopted in 2005. I am in my third year at the Metropolitan State University of Denver where I am studying Criminal Justice and Biology. When I’m not buried in textbooks, you’ll probably catch me jamming out to music, playing some piano, or nerding out over anything Broadway.

I have been a part of Adopteen as a camper since 2017 and I am looking forward to my first year on the Leadership Committee! I can’t wait to meet all of you and make some amazing memories together! 

Karson Case

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Karson Case

2025 Committee Member

Hello hello! My name is Karson Case and I am from Centennial, Colorado and adopted from Jiangxi, China. I am a rising college junior studying Film and Television Production at Chapman University! When spending time away from film and tv, I enjoy baking, photography, and taking a well deserved nap. This will be my 3rd year back as a leader and I can’t wait to make my 7th Adopteen the best one yet!

Katy Winkler

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Katy Winkler

2025 Committee Member

Hello! My name is Katy and I am just finishing up my sophomore year at Michigan State University! I’m studying Applied Engineering with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Asian Pacific American Studies! I have been attending Adopteen as a camper since 2018 and have been to 4 conferences, but this is my first year on committee! In my free time I enjoy reading, watching TV and movies, spending time with friends, and being active in different social justice movements! I’m so excited to get to know you all this summer!

Kenzie Summervill

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Kenzie Summervill

2025 Committee Member

Hi friends! My name is Kenzie Summervill, and I am beyond honored and excited to serve as one of your Camp Leaders for Adopteen 2025! I was born in Jiangxi, China and was adopted in February 2008 and grew up in Colorado. Currently I am a Freshman at Kansas State University in the charming town of Manhattan, Kansas. I recently made the big switch from pre-vet to pre-med, and I am so excited to see where it takes me!

I absolutely love spending time with amazing people and feel so grateful for everyone I meet. I also love all animals. I have a dog, cat, turtle, and lots of sheep!! I’m a dedicated student who loves to work hard, but in my free time, you’ll find me listening to all kinds of music (mostly Zach Bryan), watching Grey’s Anatomy, enjoying sunsets, travelling, or hanging out with my friends.

I started my journey with Adoptween in 2018 and came to my first Adopteen camp in 2022. I have attended 3 camps since then and this will be my first year being involved on committee! 

I can’t wait for this incredible experience, to get to know all of you, and to make some amazing memories together! Let’s have the best time!

Lilli Mueller

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Lilli Mueller

2025 Committee Member

Hi!! My name is Lilli, and I am from outside of Chicago and I was adopted from Jiangxi, China. In the fall I plan to major in Journalism and Critical Communications! I am a huge foodie, I love running with my friends, and my ideal day involves snuggling with my dog, reading a book, and drinking a matcha (or two haha….). I also really love art, and all things snoopy or miffy! It is my first year on committee and I can’t wait for this summer and am beyond excited to meet and work with you all!!

Mary Govan

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Mary Govan

2025 Committee Member

Hello everybody! My name is Mary Govan and I was adopted from Hubei, China. I am currently a sophomore at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a major in Psychology and minors in Special Education and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies.

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!

I have been a part of Adopteen since 2019 when I attended my first Camp-Conference in Colorado Springs, CO. This is my second summer being part of the Leadership Committee – and I am so very excited for another amazing summer!

Mia Harris

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Mia Harris

2025 Committee Member

Hi! My name is Mia Harris. I’m a senior at MSU Denver, graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. A few fun facts about me—I love to dance! I’m a member of my university’s dance team and also a dance teacher. In my free time, I enjoy reading, especially fantasy novels. I have a major sweet tooth, and right now, I’m obsessed with Wingstop! This is my first year on the committee, and I’m so excited to meet everyone and make some amazing memories!

Mira Rausch

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Mira Rausch

2025 Committee Member

Hello! My name is Mira Rausch, and I’m one of your Adopteen leaders this year! I’m currently a student at the University of Kansas, where I’m double-majoring in Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, with a minor in Health Information Management. Originally from Luoyang, China, my Adopteen journey began in Denver in 2018, and this is my second year as a counselor! When I’m not navigating the hills of KU, you can find me Chinese lion dancing, working at the natural history museum, or exploring Clinton Lake in search of wildlife. I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you this summer!

Phoebe Miller

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Phoebe Miller

2025 Committee Member

Hey hey! My name is Phoebe Miller and I am a freshman at the University of Kansas. I am majoring in journalism and hope to work in book publishing after graduating, because what’s better than turning a love for reading into a career, right? 

When I’m not buried in a book, you can find me shopping and hanging out with friends. I’ve been a part of Adopteen since I was 13 years old and have been to 6 camp conferences as a camper. This is my first year on committee and I couldn’t be more excited to give back to the community that has given me so much!

Tahlia Sherk

2025 Committee Member

Our Team

Tahlia Sherk

2025 Committee Member

Hi everyone, my name is Tahlia Sherk and I will be on this year’s leadership committee! I am 20 years old and am currently a registered behavioral technician at an autism center. This fall I will be starting my Master’s degree in Social Work. I have been to 2 previous adopteen camps and this will be my first year on committee. Some things I love to do are reading, traveling, and spending time with friends. I am so excited to get to see everybody at this year’s 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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Adopteen

FAQ

Something else on your mind? 

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.