International Retreat

To celebrate adoption and the uniqueness of our intercultural families.

Retreat 2008: August 8-10

IIA RETREAT is an annual weekend event offering educational activities for families who have adopted interculturally. RETREAT's purpose is to provide opportunities to learn, share, and socialize with other intercultural families not just those adopting from Korea.

RETREAT activities include guest speakers presenting programs for parents on topics geared to the unique experiences of intercultural and adoptive families. A variety of activities for the children and parents include an International Market, with all proceeds going towards Children's Home Society. Included is a talent show, carnival, parade led by an authentic Korean Dragon, games led by counselors and other festivities.

Past RETREAT speakers included:

Lana Noone, Author and Vietnam Babylift Historian

Nicole Thomsen, Adult Korean Adoptee & Adoptive Parent

Lorrie Young, Avalon Center, Mason City, IA

Susan Soon_Keum Cox, Holt International

Deborah Johnson, Social Worker

Cheri Register, Author of "Are those Kids Yours?"

Sara Dorow, Editor of "I Wish for You a Beautiful Life"

Wayne Berry, Founder and President of Korean Adoption Registry

Judy Stigger, The Cradle, Evanston, IL

Jack Ruth, Adoptee, Therapist

Holly von Gulden, Author of "Real Parents, Real Children", Adoption Counselor

Jeff Monlow, Children's Home Society

Anu Sharma, Search Institute Minneapolis MN