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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Share Your Adoption Experiences

Lynn Gibson Correspondent

Children who join their families through adoption share a unique experience and often have questions about adoption or the desire to meet others in the same situation.

The Adoption Resource Center, a program of Children’s Home Society of Washington, offers a variety of support groups for adopted children of all ages.

The Kids Group, for ages 6 through 9, provides a setting to explore the experience of growing up adopted, as well as meet new friends and share in fun activities.

For kids on the brink of adolescence, ages 10-12, Pre-teens Talk About Adoption is a group that provides an atmosphere of understanding in which to talk about adoption, personal identity and growing up.

Adopted teenagers, 13-16, can join Teens Talk About Adoption to share experiences and concerns, as well as meet new friends. All groups are facilitated by Suzanne Apelskog and Betsy Blake and are held at Children’s Home Society of Washington, 4315 S. Scott St. in Spokane. The cost is $12.50 per week; however, no one will be denied services for financial reasons. Groups are ongoing. For a current schedule or to register, call (509) 747-4174.

Alcohol awareness

Parents who desire to communicate their values and expectations about alcohol consumption to their children may want to send for a free educational resource kit from the Seagram Co.

The “Have You Talked Yet?” kit includes a 12-page guidebook and companion 25-minute audiocassette. The kit provides facts about alcohol and suggests a variety of activities, from role-playing to word games, to help families talk openly about drinking. It also comes in a version designed for coaches and teachers. Both are available in bulk quantities up to 200. To order the free kit, call (800) SEA-GRAM.

Preteens and puberty

Youngsters may have questions regarding puberty and what to expect as they reach their teenage years. A free booklet is available called “Coming of Age” that deals with the subject of puberty in plain, understandable terms for kids ages 8 to 16.

Published by the Dial Plus Health and Beauty Awareness Council, “Coming of Age” discusses the physical changes taking place in boys and girls, gives tips on teen hygiene and includes sections on diet and exercise. For a free copy, call (800) 258-3425.

Matching camps with kids: “Camp is a great place for children to unlock their potential and discover the world,” says Edward Covert of the Evergreen Section of the American Camping Association (ACA).

The ACA is a resource for summer camp information, answering personal questions adults may have on finding the right camp for their child, how to prepare and pack for camp and questions to ask a camp director.

The ACA also offers a free directory of day and resident camps in Washington, Idaho and Montana that are ACA certified (the highest standards established for the camping industry). Call the ACA weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (206) 847-2511.

MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.

The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.