Please forward the links below to anyone who might be interested. All the links have lots of great info, photos, and video. You do not have to live in central Iowa to adopt through Camp Hope!
Camp Hope 2011 Kids
Camp Hope
Camp Hope brings eight to 12 older Russian orphan children to Iowa each summer. Approximately $30,000 is raised annually to bring the children here and to find homes for these orphans. Since 2000, Camp Hope has helped more than 170 children find adoptive homes–most right here in central Iowa!
Camp Hope is a wonderful program near and dear to my heart. I hosted a child through Camp Hope in 2009. It was an incredible week! That child, Alexander, is now my son.
The Camp Hope schedule is posted below. Please contact Anne Nieland at nielanda@yahoo.com to find out more!
I would also be happy to talk with you about Camp Hope and older child Russian adoption. My number is 515.708.3680.
Two terrific kids from Camp Hope 2010 are coming back this summer:
- Igor – click here to find out much more about this fine young man in need of a Forever Family. Alex and I are set to host Igor this year. Let me know if you would like to meet him–or join us at any of the Camp Hope events listed on the schedule.
Ksenia is a wonderful 13-year-old girl also in need of a Forever Family. More photos of her can be found at the Camp Hope Facebook page (link above). Alex and I were able to spend some time with her last summer (see photo at right). She is a gem.
(By the way, adoption is also the theme for our 2011 National Lutherans For Life Conference: Adopted in Christ. We hope you can join us!)
Camp Hope 2011 Schedule – REVISED
SCHEDULE CHANGE: The kids will now be arriving on Tuesday night at 11:01 p.m. at the Des Moines (DSM) Airport. Everyone welcome!! Please join us!! No RSVP needed.
Tuesday, June 21
7:30 p.m.
Optional activity, on your own. Get together with other Camp Hope families for a walk around Gray’s Lake before the kids arrive. Located on Fleur Drive just south of the City Center in Des Moines – No charge! Everyone welcome, no RSVP needed.
9:15 p.m.
Host Family/Buddy Family/Translator meeting at airport. Meet your Camp Hope support team. Receive informational binder and Camp Hope t-shirts for kids. Host families, please bring a stuffed animal to present to your host child when they first arrive.
11:01 p.m.
KIDS ARRIVE!
NEW WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 SCHEDULE:
Morning open for shopping. Host families need to buy shoes and a bathing suit.
12:30 p.m.
Optional swimming at NW Aquatic Center.
3:30 p.m.
Visit to Blank Park Zoo. (Official photos will be taken there.)
6:00-6:30 p.m.
Meet at Scornovacca’s for dinner, 1930 Southeast 14th Street, Des Moines. Everyone welcome, please RSVP to nielanda@yahoo.com.
Thursday, June 23
Morning – OPEN
11:15 a.m.
Lunch at El Mariachi at 5825 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston. Order from regular menu or special “Ketchup” menu for Russians! Everyone welcome, please RSVP to nielanda@yahoo.com.
1:00 p.m.
Horseback trail ride and pony rides at Jester Park Stables. $15 per person for trail ride or pony ride. Wear sneakers and long pants (or bring them). Please bring your own cooler of cold drinks and snacks. Shelter house available. Everyone welcome, please RSVP to nielanda@yahoo.com.
5:00 p.m.
Stork Picnic at Dewey Park at 5440 NW 64th Pl, Johnston. Please bring a side, salad, veggies or fruit to share. NO WATER BALLOONS OR WATER TOYS. Please join us in the shelter house for an English Language Learners (ELL/ESL) presentation and Q & A by Waukee ELL teacher Lindsay Garvin. Everyone welcome, please RSVP to nielanda@yahoo.com.
Friday, June 24
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Urbandale Dance and Gym and Swim at 3009 99th Street, Urbandale. Please bring socks, bathing suits, sunscreen, towels. Open to Camp Hope kids, host families, buddy families and translators.
Afternoon – OPEN
Optional event: Check out The Red Rock Wildlife Center at the Merle Hay Mall. $1 per person. Merle Hay Mall is located at the corner of Merle Hay Road and Douglas Avenue in Des Moines. Everyone welcome, no RSVP needed.
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Community Night! OPEN TO EVERYONE! Located at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1115 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines. Camp Hope Alumni, please bring a dessert to share. Please invite friends and family who may be interested in meeting the Camp Hope kids. Everyone welcome, no RSVP needed.
Saturday, June 25
Morning – OPEN
2:00 p.m.
Swimming at Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center, Ankeny. Please bring bathing suits, sunscreen, towels. $4 per person. Everyone welcome, no RSVP needed.
5:00 p.m.
Dinner at Pizza Ranch in Waukee at 448 Southeast University Avenue, Waukee. Everyone welcome, no RSVP needed.
6:15 p.m.
Bowling at Warrior Lanes at 190 SE Laurel St, Waukee. For a special rate, please mention Camp Hope when you are getting your shoes. Everyone welcome, please RSVP to nielanda@yahoo.com.
Sunday, June 26
morning – OPEN
2:00 p.m.
Ice Cream Social 3619 SW Timberline Ct, Ankeny. Open to Camp Hope kids, host families, buddy families and translators and those interested in meeting Camp Hope kids. Please RSVP to nielanda@yahoo.com if you are interested in attending.
Evening – OPEN, kids need to pack for trip home.
Monday, June 27
Kids depart for Russia at 6:00 a.m.
Special THANK YOU to Bob and Ann Carothers, Jon and Suzy Hider, Tom and Kasia Knapp, Paul Greene and Dickie’s Martial Arts, Fran Ronnau of RE/MAX Opportunities, Ben and Leslie Johnson, and Alla Lakov of Stork Adoption Agency for their generous sponsorship of the Camp Hope events! Thank you for helping keep the costs down for our host families. Also THANK YOU to Jeff and Jenny Markey, Diane Janvrin, Ali Basaraba, and Mary Neubauer for organizing many other special events for Camp Hope 2011!