Somewhere in the Philippines, a child is waiting for a forever family.

They wake up each morning in an orphanage or foster home, surrounded by other children who are also waiting. Some of them have been there since infancy, while others remember a time—however brief—when they were part of a family. Many have been told that their chances of adoption are slim because they are older, part of a sibling group, or have minor medical needs.

And yet, they still hope.

They hope for someone to call them son or daughter.

They hope for a home where they don’t have to share a bunk room with dozens of other children.

They hope for a family that will love them—not because they are perfect, but because they are worthy.

For many of the Philippines’ waiting children, the SuperKids Adventure Program is the first time they will experience the warmth and love of a family.

It’s not just a visit to the United States. It’s not just an exciting trip.

It’s a glimpse of what family feels like—sometimes for the very first time.

The SuperKids Adventure Program offers families a chance to make a lasting impact by welcoming children from Colombia, the Philippines, and Taiwan for 2-3 weeks. These children, eligible for international adoption, experience family life while families learn about their stories and cultures. Participating families from Florida, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah receive strong support from Gladney staff. The program helps find permanent placements for children, many of whom have been waiting for a long time. Families interested in adoption can start by contacting Gladney’s international team for more information.

Who Are the Children Waiting in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a well-organized, Hague-accredited adoption system, but many children still wait for families—sometimes for years.

The children most in need of adoption include:

• Older children who have watched their younger peers be adopted while they remain behind.
• Sibling groups who only have each other and long to stay together.
• Children with minor medical or developmental needs who need care but, more than anything, need love.

These children have lived in foster homes, group homes, and orphanages for much of their lives. Some have memories of family life, while others have never known what it’s like to be part of a home.

Through the SuperKids Adventure Program, they get a chance to experience what family truly means—a chance they might never have had otherwise.

What is the SuperKids Adventure Program?

The SuperKids Adventure Program brings children from the Philippines to the United States for 2–3 weeks to experience life with a family. It’s an opportunity for them to be seen, known, and loved in a way they may never have been before.

During their stay, families get to know the children beyond a file, beyond a photo. They see their smiles, their personalities, their strengths, their humor.

At the same time, Gladney’s adoption team learns more about each child, helping to advocate for their best future and connect them with a forever family.

For some, the experience leads directly to adoption. For others, it becomes the moment when their future family first sees them and realizes they belong together.

Either way, this program changes lives.

Why Does This Program Matter for the Philippines’ Children?

In the Philippines, international adoption is often the best chance for older children to find families. While younger children are often placed domestically, older children and sibling groups have far fewer opportunities.

Without programs like SuperKids, many of these children would never have the chance to meet a potential family.

This program allows them to:

• Experience the love and security of family life—sometimes for the first time.
• Show potential adoptive families who they really are—not just a case number, but a child with hopes and dreams.
• Build confidence and trust, knowing they are worthy of love.

Most importantly, it gives them hope that their wait could finally be over.

What It’s Like to Welcome a Child from the Philippines

Welcoming a child from the Philippines through the SuperKids Adventure Program is an experience that touches both hearts and homes in unexpected ways.

At first, the child might be quiet or unsure, adjusting to a new environment and culture. But as trust grows, so does the connection. Families and children learn from each other—sharing traditions, stories, and perspectives that deepen their bond.

It’s not just about providing a home; it’s about creating a space where both the child and family feel enriched. The emotional connection builds through simple, everyday moments, and the cultural exchange brings new understanding and appreciation into the home. Together, they discover the beauty of belonging, respect, and shared growth.

Are You Ready to Say Yes?

📩 Have questions? Contact Beth Edwards at Beth.Edwards@gladney.org

📝 Start the process: Fill out the Prospective Adoptive Parent Form to check eligibility

🚀 Ready to make an impact? Apply for the SuperKids Adventure Program here

This Summer, a Child Will Step Into Your Home—And Your Heart

They will arrive carrying years of waiting, hoping, wondering if a family will ever choose them.

They may hesitate, not knowing if they should trust, not knowing if this is real.

And then, something simple happens—a shared laugh, a walk around the block, a bedtime story before sleep.

And for the first time in a long time, they start to believe in family again.

Not just as an idea. Not just as something that happens for other children.

But as something that could happen for them, too.

This summer, you can be part of that story.

Will you be the one to give them the chance they’ve been waiting for?