Launching January 2026
A Year-Round Community of Learning, Support, and Connection for Adoptive Families
Starting January 2026, Together on the Journey (TRJ) is launching a first-of-its-kind, year-round pilot program for any adoptive family interested in expanding abilities and skills to create a bright path to belonging for the children entrusted to them. This initiative extends the spirit of TRJ Family Camp across the entire calendar year, providing a warm community, shared learning, and ongoing support every month.
About the Pilot
The Together on the Journey Family Program is designed to help families nurture identity, belonging, and cultural connections at home—not just during a single weekend in August, but all year long. This pilot program will continue to build out resources throughout 2026.
Who This is For?
- For Families who attend camp: This is an opportunity to stay connected to the TRJ community year-round, deepen learning, and share solutions. You’ll see familiar faces and friends from TRJ Summer Camp.
- For New families who have not been to camp: The sessions will help introduce you to the core TRJ content, our beloved community, and expert support.
Program Benefits
- Year-Round Community & Support: Maintain connection with the TRJ community, counselors, and educators.
- Identity-Affirming Tools: Access resources grounded in the TRJ philosophy and Calendar Conversations.
- Expert Access: Ongoing connection with TRJ counselors, facilitators, and guest experts.
- Shared Family Rhythm: Establish a consistent monthly rhythm of learning and connection.
Why Attend?
- For Camp Families: Deepen your learning, maintain and expand your community, and support your family’s readiness for the next TRJ Family Camp.
- For New Families: Build connections, access expert support, and learn alongside experienced families in the TRJ community.
Program Structure & Schedule
Sessions are held on the Second Wednesday of every month from 7:30–8:30 PM ET.
Parent & Caregiver Sessions (8 per year)
Led by TRJ Exec Director and Transracially adopted person, April Dinwoodie, these confidential, supportive, and adult-only spaces are for primary parents and any chosen adult caregiver (grandparents, aunts/uncles, supportive adults etc.). April will be joined by TRJ presenters, counselors and staff.
Format: Facilitated learning, interactive Q&A, discussion, and practical activities.
- Focus Areas:
- Understanding the impact of family separation and adoption.
- Identity and belonging.
- Building strong relationships.
- Culturally grounded parenting.
- School and community advocacy.
- Managing extended family dynamics.
- Features: Breakout rooms organized by lived experience or child’s age/stage.
All-Family Sessions (4 per year, Quarterly)
These joyful, interactive sessions are for parents and all children (adopted and non-adopted siblings).
- Format: Led by TRJ counselors and youth facilitators.
- Focus Areas: Culture, connection, belonging, and whole-family engagement.
- Features: Opportunities for family updates, age-appropriate activities, micro-lessons on identity/belonging, and youth facilitator-led breakout rooms for age and stage.
Monthly Experience Overview (Included in Every Session)
- Grounding and connection.
- A 10–15 minute themed content piece.
- Interactive Q&A and group conversation.
- Take-home tools and practices.