Summer Activities for Safe Open Adoption Visits
As the icy air lifts, the possibility for outdoor fun becomes limitless. Spring and summer make the perfect time to host open adoption reunions among adoption triads. The warm sun, blooming flowers and chirping birds are the perfect background to new experiences together.
Each year Adoptions From The Heart hosts an agency-wide picnic at a local park. The picnic encourages open adoption meetings of adoptive families and birth parents. This event serves as a reminder of the unbreakable bond made possible through open adoptions. Regrettably, due to COVID-19 restrictions at parks and the size of the event, we made the decision to cancel our agency wide picnic this summer.
Even though we may not all be able to be together, adoptive triads can still have meaningful and fun open adoption visits this summer. Taking cues from some of the beloved activities at our picnic, we put together a list of activities that are COVID-19 safe for families.
1. Make Your Own Ice Cream Video Call
This activity is exciting and delicious! Perfect for an activity at in-person reunions or video calling with your child’s birth parent. All you need is plastic bags, heavy cream, vanilla, sugar, ice, and salt. In a large freezer bag, fill it half-way with ice and place a teaspoon of salt. In a plastic sandwich bag, combine the cream, vanilla and sugar and place it into the freezer bag with ice, shaking the bag for 10 minutes and enjoy. Pro tip: the ice can get cold so reuse your winter gloves to hold the bag. Add your favorite toppings like rainbow sprinkles and chocolate syrup!
2. Scavenger Hunt
If an in-person reunion is possible for your adoptive triad, consider creating a scavenger hunt. Hide objects in your backyard or at a local park. Generate clues and riddles to get to the next object. The “hidden objects” can be silly activities or games you need to complete to get the next clue. For larger groups, choose teams and see which team can complete the hunt the quickest!
3. Socially Distanced Hike
There are so many beautiful national and state parks to visit that offer a variety of hikes. For every level of hiker, there is one that is perfect for you. Enjoy the fresh air by going for a walk. As you hike, play I Spy and look for birds, bugs, animals, and plants!
4. Visit an Outdoor Farmer’s Market
Local communities host farmers and craft fairs throughout the summer. Look on your community’s calendar for upcoming events. Experience local cuisine, vendors, and specialty items together.
5. Fly Kites at a Local Park
Sometimes the weather is unpredictable, and it is still windy in early spring. Take advantage of the breeze by flying kites at your local park or in your backyard with your child’s birth parents. Learn the different components of the kite and maybe try creating your own. Bring some other games like bubbles, scooters or rollerblades just in case the breeze dies down.
6. “Drive-in” Movie
“Let’s all go to the lobby, to get ourselves a treat,” did you feel the instant nostalgia? Drive-in movies regained popularity through the pandemic but if there is not one nearby, have no fear. Set up a sheet and projector in your backyard and have a movie night. If you are looking for a virtual component, video call each other and watch your favorite movie together. Don’t forget your popcorn and candy!
7. Read a Book or Start a Book Club
Choose a book to read together during the summer. Host a weekly meeting where you can talk about the section that was read. For added fun, pick a book that has been adapted into a movie. After you complete the book, have movie watching party and compare the similarities.
8. Adoptions From The Heart Offices Host Open Adoption Visits at the Park
Although we cannot meet as a group, we are committed to offering a space where open adoption reunions are possible. All offices will be holding open adoption reunion only gatherings at local parks on June 6th for families wanting to have reunions with their child(ren)’s birth parents. A social worker will be present to moderate the event. We ask families to follow COVID safety protocol such as socially distancing and wearing masks. Contact your local AFTH staff member to learn more about this opportunity.
Getting together this summer as an adoptive triad is easy, fun and still safe. Discover new experiences by visiting local parks and events together. We understand it is difficult to be together due to the pandemic, but there are still ways we can try to see each other. Summer is the perfect backdrop for open adoption visits. Stay tuned to our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for #AFTHSummerBucketList where we give more ideas for COVID-19 safe summer open adoption visits.
Read about one families experience with our summer picnic: https://afth.org/our-annual-family-picnic-reunion-the-adoption-triad-coming-together/https://afth.org.
First time hosting an open adoption reunion? Read our blog explaining how to make the most out of birth parent visits: How to make the most out of birth parent visits (wordpress.com)
