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The video from Haiti is astounding. The
Red Cross estimates that 50,000 lives have
been lost, and according to National Public
Radio, thousands of children have been temporarily
separated from their families – perhaps
to be permanently orphaned. Camps across
the United States are seeking out ways to
assist. Many have peered at their own facilities
that are empty at this time of year and want
to reach out to offer their empty beds, folded-up
tents, and mounds of warm linens. Our community
is renowned for “making things happen” in
times of crisis. The key message from those
on the front lines, however, is:
Earthquake-devastated
Haitians need donations of cash — not
clothes, food, medicine, or other relief
supplies, as well intended as they might
be.
In addition, our camp community has seen
the faces of potentially orphaned Haitian
children, and the immediate reaction has
been to try to figure out how to arrange
for adoptions within American families — indeed
our nature is to protect children. However,
experts have pleaded to resist that immediate
urge:
Three aid groups called
Thursday (January 21) for an immediate halt
to any new adoptions of Haitian children
after last week's earthquake. Save the Children,
World Vision, and a unit of the British Red
Cross said the focus first must be on tracing
any family members that children may still
have and reuniting them. "Any hasty
new adoptions would risk permanently breaking
up families, causing long-term damage to
already vulnerable children, and could distract
from aid efforts in Haiti," the agencies
said in a joint statement.
So, what
can be done at this time?
Donate money. Stay current on what the
experts are requesting. Respond when asked.
 The
American Camp Association® (ACA) urges
the camp community to donate directly to
the American Red Cross.
History has shown us that when the initial
relief efforts are completed and relief workers
return home, rebuilding and recovery is often
the most challenging — and frequently
ignored. With that in mind, ACA will be strategizing
with others concerning how the camp community
might play a role in recovery efforts. Dialogue
with relief organizations and other experts
will begin shortly. Watch this Web site for
news and updates on what we discover and
what recommendations we make to the camp
community.
In the mean time, if your camp is contacted
by a reputable relief organization with a
request to consider housing victims of the
earthquake, we suggest you consider the following
key questions prior to making your decision
to render aid:
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