Teens Connect The World: Brain, Children and Love

If you’re looking for an organization that’s making a real difference in the lives of Korean adoptees and their families, let me introduce you to ASIA Families (https://www.asiafamilies.org/). This nonprofit, based out of Leesburg, Virginia, has been a lifeline for the Korean adoption community since 2010. Their mission? To create a supportive, welcoming space where Korean adoptees of all ages—along with their adoptive families, siblings, and friends—can connect, learn about Korean culture, and build a sense of identity and belonging.

ASIA Families was born out of a simple but powerful idea: Korean adoptees deserve a community that understands their unique journey. With over 200,000 Korean children adopted to the U.S. since the 1950s, many grow up disconnected from their heritage. ASIA Families steps in to bridge that gap, offering programs that are equal parts educational, cultural, and heartfelt. Whether it’s through their monthly Korean Culture School on the East Coast, the summer sleepaway Camp Rice, or their unforgettable Korea Bridge Tours, they’re helping adoptees and families explore their roots in meaningful ways.

What I love about this organization is how they cater to everyone—kids, teens, parents, and even adult adoptees. At Korean Culture School, for example, kids dive into hands-on activities like cooking and crafts, while parents get a chance to talk about adoption and Korean heritage. Camp Rice brings families together for a three-day cultural immersion, and the Korea Bridge Tour? That’s a life-changing trip back to Korea, complete with visits to adoption agencies, cultural hotspots, and even host families. They’ve been running these tours since 2014, and they’re gearing up for more.

Behind it all is Grace Song, the founder and executive director, whose passion for supporting adoptees has earned her awards like the Presidential Volunteer Award. Her leadership shines through in how ASIA Families fosters resilience, confidence, and pride in adoptees—helping them navigate their identities with a strong community by their side. And with events like Gala, they’re not just looking back at 15 years of impact—they’re dreaming big for the next 15.

If this sounds like a cause worth supporting, check out their site at https://www.asiafamilies.org/. Whether you’re an adoptee, an adoptive family, or just someone who cares, ASIA Families is building something special—one connection at a time.

One of the standout programs from ASIA Families is Camp Rice—a three-day summer sleepaway camp that’s all about celebrating Korean culture and community. Designed for Korean adoptees and their families, this isn’t your average camp. Held annually, it brings together kids, teens, and parents for a mix of fun, learning, and bonding that leaves everyone with a deeper connection to their heritage.

Picture this: three days packed with hands-on Korean cooking, traditional crafts, K-pop dance sessions, and even Taekwondo lessons. Kids get to explore their roots through activities tailored just for them, while parents join workshops to dive into adoption topics and Korean culture. It’s immersive, interactive, and, honestly, a blast. Since its start, Camp Rice has become a beloved tradition for ASIA Families, offering a safe, joyful space where adoptees can build confidence, make friends, and feel proud of who they are.

Want to see it in action? Head to https://www.asiafamilies.org/ to learn more about Camp Rice and how it’s shaping the next generation of the Korean adoption community.