Cross-Cultural Adoptee Mentorship Program (C-CAMP) is a student-run outreach program of the David M. Einhorn Center for community engagement. We were founded in 2007 and promote cultural understanding and appreciation of internationally-adopted youth in Tompkins County. To do so, we match Cornell students with cross-culturally adopted mentees who share the same culture and heritage. The mentor-mentee pairings develop sustainable relationships that allow for a mutual exploration of their cultural identities. We also organize outreach events throughout the academic year to integrate our mission of education and cultural growth with the broader community. Our program is funded in part by the Student Assembly Finance Commission (SAFC) and the ALANA Intercultural Board.
To pair children and young teens, ages 2-18, in the local Ithaca community with students at Cornell University who share the same ethnic background and/or heritage. The role of the mentor is primarily that of a role model and/or "big brother/sister." These mentor-mentee pairings promote knowledge and interest in the youths' original culture. This is primarily achieved through regular one-on-one interaction sessions, which allow mentors to provide an informal and fun learning environment for the mentees, as well as through group social events open to all members of the Cornell and Ithaca communities.
To broaden the cultural knowledge of any Ithaca youth and family interested in a cultural mentor. Although C-CAMP's membership primarily consists of adopted youths, we welcome all interested mentees who are interested in increasing their cultural knowledge.
To raise awareness about the relatively underrepresented concept of transracial adoption.
To allow students at Cornell University to become more involved in the Ithaca community.
To foster positive relations between C-CAMP Board members, Cornell advisory staff, mentors, and mentee families by organizing events of cultural, recreational, and educational value.
To educate mentees on topical issues and tie this with their cultural background.
