Tim, Olivia, Mateo, and I landed in Denver airport yesterday afternoon, en route to Latin American Heritage Camp. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Latin American Heritage Camp is designed for children born in Central and South America and their adoptive families. Heritage camps exist for children adopted from most places around the world. Attending is one of our favorite traditions. This is our third year.
Our camp is held at Snow Mountain Ranch of the Rockies, a stunning setting that’s worth visiting even without the lure of meeting other adoptive families. Because we were tired from a day of traveling, we spent last night at a small hotel outside of Denver before heading out. For Olivia and Mateo, the overnight stop was all about the lemon meringue pie they ate for dessert at a mom-and-pop diner right next-door. Their delight at the simple pleasure of a great dessert brought back memories of a cross-country road trip I once took with my brother. No matter how hungry we got, he and I wouldn’t stop for dinner until we spotted a roadside diner that seemed likely to serve a perfect slice of pie. That trip, we sampled many.
A few hours ago, Tim, the kids and I drove across the Continental Divide. Like most visitors from out-of-state, we got out of the car and took pictures. We’re not skiers, so our children rarely see snow. Of course, by now most of the white stuff is melted, but Mateo managed to find a crusty bank and pelt his sister with a couple of icy snowballs. I grew up on the East coast where snow means frozen fingers and toes, so to see Mateo scale a snow bank in flip-flops and shorts was a thrill in itself. Right up there with eating pie with my brother.
ShareThisTags: adoptive families, Denver airport, heritage camp, Latin American Heritage Camp, Snow Mountain Ranch
I’d love to hear more about it. Trying to decide if it would be worth the trip from Boston in another year or two. Thanks, Kathy
i wish we would have known about the camp you and your family are going to when our kids were younger. happy you all can take advantage of the fun time though. we used to go to camp mather by yousemite though and it was great. owned by sf, so you have to sign up in gg park way ahead.
Kathy: Will go into more detail in my next post–that’s the plan, anyway. 🙂 But the short answer is that Heritage Camp is not only about learning culture (although it is definitely that), but also about our children connecting with other kids who share their very specific experience. The best part is to see the older kids who’ve been coming for years and are now counselors, who have solid friendships with each other. They’re also great role models. Many families come year after year; tonight Olivia and Mateo recognized friends. Personally, I’ve learned a lot from listening to the speakers and to other parents–my awareness has been raised in many areas related to adoption and Guatemala. Finally, it’s a beautiful place with a fabulous pool!
Hope this helps!
cynthia: heritage may be a relatively new phenomenon, so probably not available when your kids were young. we have many friends who go to camp mather. i’ve heard it’s a very special place. lucky you!
Joe flew into Denver late Wed night and has now started his career at the Air Force Academy. Wave over in his direction. He’ll see you between his push ups and running.
We thought about Joe as we landed in Denver. Tim is so proud of his nephew; me too! Still can’t believe he’s all grown up. Sending a wave and a hug.