Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program
A program bringing older orphans from Colombia to the US for summer hosting, aiming for adoption.
▌ Editor's read The Kidsave Summer Miracles program is a unique initiative that brings older orphans from Colombia and Sierra Leone to the United States for five weeks during the summer. The program's primary goal is to help these children find permanent adoptive families by allowing them to experience American family life and meet potential parents. Kidsave, founded in 1997 by Terry Baugh and Randi Thompson, has been operating for 29 years and has facilitated over 1,000 adoptions through this and similar programs. The website mentions that host families undergo background checks and training. While not a traditional summer camp, it offers an overnight experience focused on adoption. Kidsave has a 4.9-star rating on Google based on 100 reviews, with many praising its impactful work in finding homes for older children. The organization is a nonprofit, and its social media presence includes an Instagram handle @kidsave and a Facebook page KidsaveInternational.
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Since 199729+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 10–17
Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given specialty program.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1997 (29 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Specialty
- Ages: 10–17
- Hours: Overnight
- Address: 15303 Ventura Blvd, Suite 900, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA
- Phone: 310-642-7283
- Email: info@kidsave.org
- Cost notes: Hosting is free, but families are responsible for the child's expenses during their stay.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: Yes
- Transportation: Yes
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program
- What ages does Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program accept?
- Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program is open to children ages 10–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program cost?
- Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Hosting is free, but families are responsible for the child's expenses during their stay. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- What are Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program's hours?
- Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program runs Overnight. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program?
- Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 29 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program provide lunch?
- Yes — Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.
- Does Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program offer transportation?
- Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program provides transportation. Coverage zones and bus stops vary; ask for the route map for the summer you're enrolling in. Some camps fold bus fees into tuition, others bill separately.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Kidsave - Summer Miracles Program with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.
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