Filipino Heritage Camp (FHC) is my summer vacation that has become very dear to me and now my family. I came across FHC while doing a search on “Filipino camp” back in 2000 and applied to be a counselor for the weekend. I knew it was out of my element and I would not know anyone but I suppose this was part of my adventure.
I learned that one of the coordinators and a camper (who is now the Counselor Coordinator for FHC) was part of the FHC and by happenstance were also the same people I met during my Motherland visit to the Philippines in 1998. I was comforted by this reunion, which also made for a smoother transition with my first FHC.
Ten years later I have found myself in a leadership role with FHC, along with my fellow Filipino adoptee. We spent hours through the years talking about the strides the camp has made and what our vision would be if we were ever in the position to offer our opinion. Now, FHC is going into its new decade and with 10 years under our belt we are excited about our new site at Winter Park Mountain Lodge and our participation!
The success of FHC would not be possible without our community partner, the Filipino American Community of Colorado. Every year they have tirelessly volunteered their time to provide the often missing cultural piece of adoption by instructing dance classes, amazing Filipino meals and quite simply their presence.
We hope you can join us for a unique experience with Filipino Heritage Camp this summer in Winter Park this summer!!
| July 15th to 17th, 2010 at Winter Park Mountain Lodge, CO (optional Fun/Family Day date to be announced) 2010 Directors: Lorial Crowder and David Slattery |
“I Love Camp” FHC 2nd Grader Camper
“ This is my Favorite Camp” FHC 5th Grade Camper
“ I don’t want Camp to end” FHC 7th Grade Camper
“ It’s worth so much to see our girls grow with confidence – giving them the tools to cope with adoption/race issues we don’t fully understand. They look forward to seeing their long lasting friends every year.” FHC Parent
I did not realize how much camp would help me as a Parent too!” FHC Parent
The Filipino Heritage Camp is one of a handful of camps designed especially for families with children adopted from the Philippines/with Filipino heritage. Committed to exploring both the cultural and the adoption aspects of growing as an adoptive family, it is one of ten camps facilitated by the highly respected Colorado Heritage Camps, Inc.
FHC 2010 is going to be a year of big changes! Not only do we have a new facility in Winter Park, it will be the first year in the history of FHC that two Filipino adult adoptees will be Co-Directing! We have big shoes to fill with our predecessors and former Directors Scott Grant and Sue Thiry but are confident that the dedicated parent and Filipino community volunteers will once again be instrumental in providing wonderful programming for the children and parents. FHC is also planning an optional “Family Fun Day” for folks who would like an extra no frills day. Date to be announced so please check site regularly for update.
The Filipino Adoptees Network (FAN) is thrilled to partner with FHC for the 4th year. FAN is a network that supports and provides resources to Filipino adoptees, adoptive families and those touched by adoption. Volunteering as a counselor for FHC is an amazing opportunity to meet fellow Filipino adult adoptees. Click here to apply as an FHC counselor:
This year FAN is proud assist with the development and implementation of the:
• elementary workshops,
• middle school and high school workshops,
• adult workshops,
• and family based programs.
Our new location, Winter Park Mountain Lodge is located
directly across from the Ski Resort, which is full of summer time events and activities, and a stones throw from downtown Winter Park. The Resort recently added 100 new rooms and renovated 52 rooms. Area activities and amenities are endless; we are ecstatic to provide you with a memorable and fun weekend!
Plans for 2010?
” NO history, NO self, KNOW history, KNOW self: Honoring Filipino Americans”
2010 is a U.S. Census year and the Filipino American community is anticipated to become the first largest Asian American group, surpassing the Chinese Americans. The U.S. Census reported in 2007 that 3.1 million Filipinos reside in America and 80% of Filipino Americans are U.S. citizens. Also in 2007, the U.S. Census reported the Filipino American community to be 4 million or 1.5% of the U.S. population.
Who are the Notable Filipino Americans? What have been their contributions?
This year’s Filipino Heritage Camp, you will learn about the rich history of Filipinos in America that date as far back as 1587 to present day. The workshops and activities will focus on prominent Filipino Americans in the various industries such as entertainment, science, education, sports, medicine and arts. There will also be educational and fun workshops that will look at music, art, dance, history and games that celebrate our Filipino American heritage.
The elementary workshops will include sessions on:
• Filipino/American history
• Craft projects
• discovering love of Filipino music, and dance,
• entertainment and games!
There is specialized programming for our middle and high school aged campers, including:
• Learning about our Filipino American history
• “Survivor Philippines”
• Filipinos in the music industry
• Babayin – the ancient Filipino sanskrit
• “More than Me” project, partner organization to be announced. For more on this trademark Colorado Heritage Camps project, click here:
Workshops for Parents will include;
• The popular cooking classes,
• Adoptee panel,
• An overview of the history of Filipinos in America
• Parent run workshops
The Filipino-American Community of Colorado (FACC) will be celebrating their 10th year volunteering with FHC. The members have had an invaluable role with the camp over the years providing a connection to our Filipino culture by teaching us about culture, cuisine, dance, music and history of the Philippines.
To read about last year’s camp click here
For more pictures of Filipino Camp 2008 click here
We look forward to seeing your family at camp!
Volunteers/Counselors:
The support from the local Filipino community from Denver is amazing BUT we are always looking for more volunteers and counselors; to assist with the kids, teach workshops, preparing meals, etc., We encourage Filipino adult adoptees to apply as counselors, which offers a unique opportunity to network with fellow adoptees. Please consider joining us this year as a volunteer or counselor!
Donations:
As a non-profit 501 C(3) organization, Filipino Heritage Camp is always seeking financial assistance to help keep camp costs reasonable for families, and still provide an outstanding program. If you’d like to help, please go to the Donations section of this web site. Thank you very much in advance.
Frequent Flier Donations:
We are also in need of donations of frequent flier miles to help defray costs of out of state speakers. If you have miles you can donate please email us at info@heritagecamps.org
We hope to see you at camp this summer. For further information, please contact us. Filipino.H.Camp@gmail.com