These independent non-profit organizations have joined together in Camp Masala to accomplish a common goal: to educate children and families about India. All Camp Masala organizers and instructors are Volunteers.

What is ICAN?

International Child Advocacy Network is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Corporation created in 2002 to help disadvantaged children around the world. The primary focus of our organization has been to help children in India and Guatemala. Corporate officers are completely volunteer. One goal of the organization is to help adopted children gain knowledge of and maintain pride in their birth country. Camp Masala was started by ICAN in 2004. For further information on ICAN, contact .

What is SILC?

The School of Indian Languages and Culture meets Saturday mornings throughout the school year to help you learn about India in a fun filled way. SILC teaches students about all facets of India, including historical and other significant events, geography, natural resources, festivals, games, food, art, dance, music and much more. SILC has been an important part of Camp Masala since it began in 2004. For further information about SILC, visit: http://www.silcmn.com

What is IAM?

The India Association of Minnesota, a not-for-profit organization, represents people with an interest in the culture and heritage of India to build a sense of cohesiveness within this community, represent the community to the population at large, and serve as the focal point for advancing the educational, cultural, and charitable interests of the community. To learn more about IAM, visit: www.iamn.org.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the curriculum or scheduling?

is in charge of curriculum. Please let us know if you have ideas you would like to see included in Camp Masala.

Who should I contact if I have a question about registration?

handles most of the registration details.

Who should I contact if I have an idea for an activity or craft?

and are in charge of crafts and activities.

How much does it cost to attend Camp Masala?

The total cost depends on the number of adults and children in your family. There is an early registration credit if your Registration is postmarked on or before a certain date. The camp fees include meals, snacks, housing, activities, T-shirts, facilities, workshops, parties, educational sessions for children & adults, all materials. . . and lots of FUN!!

Who attends Camp Masala?

Camp families come mostly from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin although we have campers from other states and countries as well. Families with children adopted from South Asia, along with their siblings, as well as South Asian families with biological children join us each year. Families waiting for referral or waiting for their referred child to come home are also welcome to attend.

Can I drop my children off for the day?

No. Camp Masala is intended to be a family weekend to reinforce the importance of our kids' Indian heritage in our lives. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed at Camp Masala. If a parent is unable to attend camp, perhaps your child could attend with another family. If your child is under 18, there must be a responsible adult in attendance.

Do I have to stay on site?

No. Camp attendees may stay offsite if they choose. Camp attendees are strongly encouraged to stay on site to get the full camp experience. Camp Masala is intended to be a family weekend to reinforce the importance of our kids’ heritage in our lives. An essential part of the experience is staying together and interacting in the evenings & mornings before scheduled camp activities and keeping the children together as much as possible so they can form lasting friendships. If you choose to stay offsite, plan to be at camp from 6:00pm-9:00pm on Friday, 9:00am - 10:00pm on Saturday and from 8:30am-2:00pm on Sunday if you would like to participate in all planned Camp Masala activities.

Do I have to stay in a dorm room?

If you stay on site at St. Thomas you will be staying in an apartment-style dormitory. However, these are probably not the dorms you remember as a college student! They are very nice, spacious 4-bedroom apartments with 2 bathrooms, a living room and kitchen. You will not be "roughing it" at all!

What if something comes up and we have to cancel?

$100 of your Registration Fee is non-refundable. All other fees will be refunded if your cancellation is received prior to May 15, 2009. After May 15, 50% of your other fees will be refunded.

Camp is too expensive for us - can you reduce the fees?

Camp Masala is sponsored by International Child Advocacy Network (ICAN), a non-profit organization committed to educating families and children adopted from India. Camp Masala is an excellent resource for families, but we understand that it can be costly. ICAN has funds set aside to help families with a partial scholarship. Partial scholarships are available in the amounts of $100, $200 and $300. Scholarship awards are kept confidential and camp volunteers and counselors are not made aware of any family’s financial situation. To be considered for a scholarship, please click here for further information.

How can I help reduce the camp fees for others?

We welcome and appreciate your tax deductible donations to ICAN, PO Box 94, Hamel MN 55340. You can specify if you would like your donation to be put into the Camp Scholarship Fund or used to reduce overall Camp expenses for all families. 100% of your donation will be used to help reduce camp expenses. All ICAN staff and board members are strictly volunteer and no overhead expenses are taken from donations. All members of the ICAN planning committee are volunteers and receive no compensation or reduction of camp fees.

Is this camp only for children who have been adopted?

No - any family wanting to learn more about Indian culture is welcome. Many of the families attending have a mixture of adopted and biological children, and some have only biological or only adopted children. In 2007, 25% of the families attending did so with only biological children. . . some were families of instructors and others were camp attendees. In the adult sessions, one session is usually related to adoption, but most of them are about India or about parenting in general. In the children’s classes, adoption is seldom discussed as their lessons are solely focused on learning about India. Sometimes in class if we are studying Karnataka for example, they may ask or discuss which children were born there but biological children can participate just as easily by tying the lesson into what part of India their parents or grandparents are from, if relevant. The oldest class (usually 11 yrs old & up) meets with an adoptive family therapist. In addition to any adoption issues that come up, they are discussing details about how to deal with being one of the only brown-skinned kids in their class, or what to do about comments other people make, etc. The discussion is driven by the kids and the issues they are dealing with.

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