Here’s information on a wonderful program near and dear to my heart. I hosted a child through Camp Hope in 2009. It was an incredible week! That host-child, Alexander, is now my son. The staff of LFL has also shown their support for Camp Hope by hosting a couple local fundraisers. The press release below covers the basics, but I would be happy to talk with you if you have any questions (515.708.3680).
Please forward this info to anyone who might be interested. You do not have to live in central Iowa to be a part of Camp Hope!
Summer Camp Program Seeks Host Families
Iowans can open their homes for a week of culture and family-fun by hosting a child during the 12th annual Camp Hope.
(DES MOINES, Iowa) – Camp Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Russian orphans find adoptive families in America, is currently seeking families who would like to host a child during the 12th annual Camp Hope event in June. Through Camp Hope, older adoptable Russian orphans experience what it is like to be part of a real family and get a glimpse of what childhood should be.
Camp Hope will hold its first informational meeting for those interested in being a host family on Monday, April 18th beginning at 6:00 p.m at the Johnston Public Library located at 6700 Merle Hay Rd in Johnston.
Dave Lentell of Waukee knows firsthand about hosting kids during Camp Hope. He and his wife hosted a 12-year-old girl in 2008. “Hosting a child during Camp Hope is a life-changing experience,” Lentell says. “It’s a great way to learn about another culture and experience America through a young child’s eyes.”
Before the children arrive in Des Moines in June, host families meet with Camp Hope volunteers and former host families to help prepare them for the week of Camp Hope. Advice, assistance and support is also made available during the week the children are in Iowa.
“Families who are new to hosting an international child can be sure they are in good hands,” Anne Nieland, Camp Hope director, says. “Every family is paired with a Buddy Family who has experience with Russian children. They can call their Buddy Family with questions or for advice anytime, day or night, during the week of Camp Hope.”
Although the children only speak Russian, Nieland says that Camp Hope takes care of that issue. “We provide a translator all week to the host families so they can speak easily with the children.”
Nieland adds that the children often pick up a lot of English while they are and Jenny Markey, of West Des Moines, says that families often develop their own sign language with the kids. “You get really good at charades by the end of the week,” she says. Markey and her husband hosted a girl during Camp Hope 2005 and decided to adopt her and her younger brother.
Families may specify if they wish to be host-only, meaning their commitment is to only host the child for the week. Or families can host with the intent to adopt, meaning they are considering adopting either the child they are hosting or another child they meet during the week.
Nieland stresses that there is no pressure put on host families. “Whether families choose to be host-only or think they might want to adopt, the families are under no obligation to the child beyond the week of Camp Hope,” she says.
Camp Hope’s only requirement is that if a host family is not adopting their host child, that they help the child find a Forever Family. “As the host family, you get to know that child better than anyone,” Nieland says. “You can share all about the child to families who are interested in adoption. You become the child’s voice to the community.” Nieland adds that many host-only families maintain a great friendship with the children once they are adopted.
Most host families live in the Des Moines Metro, but Camp Hope also works with families from throughout Iowa as well as out-of-state families who would like to host while visiting Des Moines. Families who successfully complete a background check are eligible to host. Both singles and married couples may host.
For more information about Camp Hope, or about the April 18th information meeting, contact Anne Nieland at nielanda@yahoo.com or at 515.559.3819 or log on to www.camphope.net.