A Summer That China’s Orphans Will Never Forget

This summer was unforgettable for hundreds of China’s childrenโ€”our little โ€œred bean sprouts,โ€ as they affectionately say in Chinaโ€”and itโ€™s all because of our donors.

CCAI’s Children’s Charity fund made it possible for these children to step outside the only world theyโ€™ve ever known and experience something completely new through Fulfill-A-Wish Summer Camp. For many, it was the first time they had ever left their city. They saw mountains, rivers, beaches, and sunrises they had only heard about. And in discovering new places, they discovered new parts of themselves.

Five Days of Wonder and Discovery

Over five full days, the children explored the beauty of Guangxiโ€”cruising down the Li River, wandering through historic streets, playing on sandy beaches, and collecting shells along the coast. They learned, laughed, tried new foods, and enjoyed the simple freedom of being outdoors with friends. Each new experience helped them grow in confidence and joy.

Opening Up to New Tastes

The local dishes in Beihai and Guilin were very different from the spicy meals theyโ€™re used to in Chongqing. At first, the unfamiliar flavors were a challenge. With time, they grew more willing to try what was new, and many found things they enjoyed. It was a small but meaningful reminder that the world has so much to offer when youโ€™re open to it.

Lessons from the Coastline

Beachcombing became one of the most memorable activities. As the children searched for shells and small treasures, they learned about the daily lives of fishermenโ€”how they wake long before sunrise and head out to sea regardless of the weather. It gave the children a deeper appreciation for the work behind the meals they receive and encouraged them to value things that are often taken for granted.

The Beauty of Weizhou Island

Weizhou Island was a clear favorite. The open sea, bright sky, and coastline scattered with coral and shells left a strong impression. Many children said it was the most beautiful place they had ever seen. Some even shared that it made them want to care more for nature and help keep the world clean.

Your Support Made This Possible

None of these momentsโ€”the laughter, the discovery, the sense of possibilityโ€”would have happened without generous donors.

Donor support didnโ€™t just fund a camp. It gave these children freedom, connection, confidence, and a chance to experience the world beyond their orphanage walls.

To donate to CCAI’s Children’s Charity Fund and support Fulfill-A-Wish camp for the summer of 2025, please click here and choose Fulfill-A-Wish sponsorship in the drop down menu.

It will give them memories they will carry with them for years to come.

Your support helps them feel seen and valued.

From all of us, thank you for giving them a summer they will always remember.

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Urgent Call to Action!

The U.S. government has announced a suspension ofย immigrantย visa processing in 75 countries, with no exceptions for international adoptions. As a result, adoptive families and children areย being leftย in an impossibleย situation. Familiesย are unable toย bring their legally adopted children home.ย 

We call on all families and supporters of adoption toย take actionย now!ย Please contact your senators, representatives, and other elected officials and urge them toย EXEMPT adopted children from the US immigrant visa freeze.ย No child or family shouldย be left stranded!ย 

Below is a link you can use to quickly contact your elected representatives and make your voice heard. Time is critical;ย U.S. families and childrenย are being affectedย right now, and they urgently need our support.ย 

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GiGi Pleet

Adoption Program Specialist & Grant Specialist

GiGi Pleet joined CCAI in 2014 as our China Applications Specialist. She rejoined the team in 2022 after taking a few years off to spend time with her family.ย  GiGi and her husband have adopted three beautiful daughters from China who are the joy and purpose of their lives.ย  GiGi is passionate about adoption and furthering CCAIโ€™s mission to find loving parents and permanent homes for as many children as possible and to continue reaching out to children left behind.ย  When she is not working, you can find her spending time with her girls in the beautiful mountains of Colorado or on an adventure to a new, faraway place.
ย 
Joined CCAI:ย  Originally 2014 โ€“ 2020, rejoined 2022
ย 
Bucket List Item:ย  To see all Seven Wonders of the Worldย 

Contact Information

gigi@ccaifamily.org

(303) 850-9998 ext. 300

Emily Straut

The Park Administrative Assistant

Emily was adopted through CCAI in 2002!ย  Having always admired the ways that the organization continued to support families even after adoption, she began working at The Park last year because she wanted to be more involved in the adoption community and according to her, “It’s been a blast so far!”

Emily is majoring in environmental science at MSU Denver and hopes to help mitigate the causes and effects of climate change. In her free time, she like to practice guitar, play video games, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family.ย 

Bucket List: Visit every province in China!

Contact Information

emily@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 170

CO Team Line 4

Ivy Buchanan

The Park Adoptee Program Coordinator

Ivy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Production Design for Film and Theater with a minor in Studio Art. She had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England and Florence, Italy. After graduating, while visiting an orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal she had a moment of realization and knew she wanted to work in the adoption community. After some prior experience in post-adoption and nonprofit management, she came to The Park and is really enjoying focusing on and being involved with offering lifelong support for adoptees and the adoption community.

Ivy was adopted from Kazakhstan at 18-months old and is proud of her adoptee identity and her adoptive family. She is passionate about sharing the stories of the amazing people in the adoption community and helping adoptees celebrate their identities. Her lifelong best friend was adopted from China through CCAI.ย 

In her free time, she enjoys making art (she is working on a series of sculptural paintings of poached animal species), trying new food, catching up with friends, reading, and being with family. She loves to travel whenever possible.

Joined CCAI: 2023

Top Bucket List Items:

  • A trail ride through โ€œMiddle Earthโ€ in New Zealand
  • Volunteering for a few weeks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Sleeping in a hammock on a beach

Contact Information

ivy@theparkcommunity.org

(303) 221-6688 ext. 205

CO Team Line 1

Colorado Expenses

ExpenseAmountPmt MethodPay ToDue
Application Fee$250Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIApplication submission
Child Abuse Record Search$35/FamilyCheckCO Dept of Human ServiceApplication submission
IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee$500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAI (Sent to IAAME)After App Approval
First Program Fee (Includes Home Study)$5,700Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIAfter App Approval
CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search$39.50 per personMoney OrderColorado Bureau of InvestigationAfter App Approval
USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting$775 plus $85/adultCheck/Money OrderUS Dept. of Homeland SecurityUpon I-800A submission
Dossier PreparationApprox. $450-$900Check/Money OrderSecretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s)As preparing Dossier
Second Program Fee$5,050Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIDossier Submission
CCCWA Fee$1,270Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIDossier Submission
Third Program Fee$5,500Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee$300Check/ACH WithdrawalCCCWA via CCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Court Validation Deposit$200CheckCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable)$450Check/ACH WithdrawalCCAIPrior to receiving child match acceptance letter
Visa to enter China$140 (plus courier fee)Check/Credit CardChinese Consulate via a courier/travel agencyApproximately one month before travel to China
US Domestic & International Airfare$1,000 โ€“ $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket)Credit CardA travel agency/airline of your choice

Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure

In China Travel & AccommodationsApprox. $4,000-$4,400 for two adultsACH WithdrawalCCAI (wired to China)Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure
Adoption Registration and Notarization$800 โ€“ $1,000CashLocal government in ChinaIn China
Orphanage Donation(Voluntary)Cash or WireOrphanageIn China
Childโ€™s Passport$100-$150CashLocal passport agencyIn China
Food$700 โ€“ $800 per coupleCash/Credit CardHotel(s), restaurant(s)In China
Child Physical & Photo$130-$150CashClinicIn Guangzhou, China
Child U.S. Entry Visa$325Cash or CheckU.S. ConsulateIn China
Court Validation Fee$167CheckCounty CourtAfter U.S. Return
Childโ€™s Colorado Birth Certificate$37.75CheckColorado Vital Statistics OfficeAfter U.S. Return
Lutheran Family Services$250CheckLutheran Family Services via CCAIWhen Home Study is approved by CCAI