“The best thing about Celebrate Romania is ...

...everything! We were welcomed as part of the family from the beginning of the Retreat, and all the way through 'til the end. The love and friendship shown by this group of people, kids and adults, is awesome and genuine. ”
Sam Durham, VERMONT

...the bond the children develop with each other while surrounded by loving families. It's a powerful combination and so positive for their development.”
Carol Kalscheur, WISCONSIN

...the special friendships I developed which can never be found with day to day friends. No one other than other Romanian children can ever understand what our heritage and challenges are. Few everyday classmates can totally comprehend our early beginnings that often left us behind them in progressive development. Only fellow adopted friends can truly understand feelings that we ourselves can barely identify.

At Romanian camps everyone comes with their forever families, unique situations, private accomplishments, and strugglers to secure a dependable future. We all appreciate each other's stories, talents, laughter, and backgrounds.

The day will eventually come when we will spread our wings. We won't be seeing each other at this yearly reunion, but the bonds and friendships will continue to strengthen, and perhaps we can come together as parents and adults with stories we share with our children”.
Aurelia Smith, INDIANA

...seeing kids connect!”
Bev Case, KANSAS

...it's a chance to reconnect with friends, and new people with similar stories and backgrounds.”
Nancy Fallis, IOWA

...renewing old acquaintances and meeting new people.”
Margaret Honigman, MINNESOTA

...the opportunity for adults and children to spend time together.”
Judy Kordus, WISCONSIN

...we celebrate Romanian children, their culture, talents, personalities and adoption into our families.”
Durwin Hermanson, MINNESOTA

...it's a wonderful experience. Over the years I've met so many special people and life-long friends! I especially enjoy the Saturday night Talent/No Talent Show and the free time we spend in the pool and playing games! I enjoy seeing the same faces every year, and especially the new faces. I've moved to Florida now, but I'll be coming back every year. I like to see the children, even those not from Romania like myself, interacting as one big happy family!”
Aimee Eisenberg, FLORIDA

...everyone is so supportive and eager to learn and share with each other. It's a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere.”
Anonymous

"We started attending Celebrate Romania in 1998 with our then 5-year-old son who was adopted from Bucharest. He loved being with all of the other Romanian kids and we loved spending time with others who are so much like us. It was a wonderful experience for the entire family. Now we wouldn't miss Celebrate Romania for the world! It's first priority when making our summer plans.

We now have two Romanian children. Our new 6-year-old daughter cried this past summer when camp was over. She loved swimming, singing by the campfire, the children's activities and all of the children who are so much like her. Celebrate Romania is also a haven for my husband and I as adoptive parents of Romanian children. We have had the opportunity to network with others and share stories about our children. A single conversation can include stories of all of the fun times and also some of the more challenging issues that some parents face such as behavioral difficulties, language issues and school progress. The best part is that nobody judges anyone. It's entirely different than talking with friends and family members who haven't had first hand experience with the day to day life of Romanian children.

I would highly recommend Celebrate Romania to parents of Romanian children no matter their age. The camp is filled with kids of all ages. There are even many American siblings and siblings adopted from other countries. All children are welcome to attend.

I hope to see you at camp next year!

Sincerely,
Michele Skurek,
adoptive mom of Benjamin (born 1993, adopted 1996) and Valentina (born 1994, adopted 2000)

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Another family who has attended the camp for 5 years, says they would not have been able keep their Romanian adopted child in their home because of behavior problems, had it not been for the helpful resources and support they received at the Celebrate Romania Retreat.