Cambodian Heritage Camp

Cambodian Heritage Camp (CamHC) is the only camp in the U.S. specifically for Cambodian-​born adoptees and their families. Now in its 15th year, CamHC takes place at Snow Mountain Ranch in Fraser, Colorado, over 4 days in mid-​July. Families travel from across the U.S. and internationally to join each other for this “extended family” event. We are joined by our outstanding network of Cambodian-​American volunteers from Colorado and both coasts who share their cultural heritage through their participation as camp counselors, workshop leaders and presenters.

This year we will celebrate the contributions of Cambodians and Cambodian Americans across the world. We will draw inspiration from Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, including the visual arts (textiles, photography, videography/​filmmaking, drawing, painting, street art), dance (classical, social, hip hop), literature (prose, poetry), music (classical, modern), and more.

At the same time we will celebrate the diverse talents of our own campers, counselors and community members.

Interactive sessions will enable campers to make use of their talents and interests, and learn new ones. Depending on the inclination of our campers, we may incorporate some performances and exhibitions that all participants may enjoy.

As always, we will explore the unique gifts and challenges that come with being transracial adoptive families. As our children grow, they will be dealing with issues faced by every child of color, no matter their country of birth. At camp, our children are with families just like theirs and they are surrounded by campers, counselors and community members who look like them. We enthusiastically celebrate their birth county, and we also celebrate adoption as a culture of its own. The impact and importance of being with families “just like theirs” at camp cannot be understated. It creates bonds between our children and our families that may not easily found in our communities and other areas of our daily lives.