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COLAGE at Provincetown Family Week 2008
COLAGE is pleased to announce that we will once again be offering our unique program during Provincetown Family Week 2008. For youth with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parent/s, Family Week is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the COLAGE program that offers community, empowerment and fun for youth entering 3rd grade and older. This year Provincetown Family Week is July 26th - August 2nd.
COLAGE at Family Week
The COLAGE daily program includes recreational activities, peer workshops, creative expression activities, leadership development and youth empowerment that allow participants to gain confidence and pride, make new friends, express themselves creatively, and have a lot of fun. The COLAGE Family Week staff is an enthusiastic team of adults who share the experience of having an LGBTQ parent and create a fun and safe environment for all of our youth participants. Last summer 248 youth ages 8-18 and 32 adult volunteers participated in the COLAGE Family Week program creating a vibrant community of people who have LGBTQ parents unlike any other.
 Family Week 2008 Similar to the model for 2007, COLAGE will once again sponsor an independent program for youth in 3rd grades and older with one or more LGBTQ parent/s while Family Equality Council will offer education and entertainment for families and young children.
 REGISTRATION: Registration for Family Week in Provincetown is open! We are offering a special Early Bird rate through May 15th so Register Today at Acteva.
 WHAT PARENTS AND YOUTH ARE SAYING about their experience with COLAGE during Family Week:
"COLAGE is what my two children look forward to all year long, they would be lost here without you." Parent of two COLAGE youth
"COLAGE, I don't know what I would've done without you. I feel way more connected than I would be if I didn't have your support." Debra, COLAGE Family Week participant.
"COLAGE makes a big difference in my children's lives, and hence, in my life. Thank you for being here." Parent of three COLAGE youth
"I LOVE COLAGE and Family Week- I love the discussions, the people, the staff, the activities and environment. Thank you so much- You are amazing!" Emily, COLAGE Teen participant
Family Week Provincetown 2008 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Family Week?
Family Week is an event that has happened for twelve years in Provincetown, MA and brings LGBTQ families together for a week full of programming for parents, children and youth. An additional Family Week has taken place for 8 years in Saugatuck, MI. COLAGE has offered programming targeting youth and young adults with LGBTQ parents at every Family Week event.
When and Where is Family Week Provincetown?
In 2008, the event will be July 26th - August 2nd in Provincetown, MA.
How is the 2008 program being structured?
Similar to the model for 2007, COLAGE will once again sponsor an independent program for youth in 3rd grades and older with one or more LGBTQ parent/s while Family Equality Council will offer education and entertainment for families and young children.
What do you mean by an independent program?
The COLAGE schedule, activities, registration and events are being offered independently by COLAGE. While we are working to coordinate to the best of our abilities with the other businesses and organizations planning events during Family Week, the COLAGE program is a stand-alone program. Families may choose to participate in both the COLAGE program and the other Family Week events or only the COLAGE program.
Youth and families can expect from COLAGE a dynamic array of events, workshops, trainings and social events that have been presented during past Family Weeks, of course with some exciting new additions and changes.
Do I have to register separately for other Family Week activities?
Nope! One of the changes this year is a new approach to registration. There is a flat COLAGE Registration Fee that covers the cost of youth and their families participating in any or all of the COLAGE programs during Family Week. Parents and families do not have to register for other Family Week programs if they do not choose. For programs offered by Family Equality Council there is an activities fee of $150 to help defray a portion of the costs of the event.
How do I register?
We strongly urge all youth and families to register online before July 21st, 2008. We are offering a special Early Bird rate through May 15th to encourage families to register early! If you are not able to register using a credit card, please contact Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director for other pre-registration options.
We will have on-site registration, space permitting, during Family Week. On-site registration is $100 per youth.
Not only is pre-registration less expensive, but knowing in advance the numbers of youth and families participating in our program greatly helps COLAGE best prepare for a successful week.
What if the COLAGE Registration Fee is prohibitive to my family?
Please contact Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director to discuss alternatives such as volunteer trades, reduced registrations, and waivers. We never turn youth away from the COLAGE Program for lack of funds.
How is the COLAGE program structured?
We offer the COLAGE Family Week Program in three groups:
- Camp COLAGE is for youth entering 3rd-5th grades,
- COLAGE Crew for youth entering 6th-8th grades and
- COLAGE High School Program for youth entering 9th-12th grades.
Each of these three groups will have programming from 10 am until 12:30 pm Monday - Friday of Family Week. Additionally we will offer for the second time, the Facilitator in Training program that offers special leadership training in the afternoons for youth who are 17 years old and/or entering 12th grade. In the afternoons and evenings additional workshops, family events and social activities will be offered.
What group is most appropriate for my child(ren)?
Choose your child's group based on the grade they will be entering in Fall 2008. Please, do NOT enroll your kids in any program other than the one for their age group. Our programming is specifically developed in an age appropriate way for each of our groups. Our experience at other events is that when a youth joins a group that is younger then their age they have often felt bored where as youth who attempt to join an older group are often not ready to participate in the advanced level of programming. We do not make exceptions.
Can COLAGE accommodate youth and families with special needs?
If your youth or family has any special needs, please contact us as far in advance as possible. We will have ASL interpretation available for youth programs and during community events (as requested). For other medical or special needs, please notate them on your registration form so that we can best accommodate your family in the COLAGE program.
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