Parent Programming

As we prepare for TRJ 2026, we are intentionally designing programming to honor our theme: Where community strengthens, culture grounds, courage stretches, and care sustains.

Friday: The Connected Journey: Navigating Identity, Trauma, and the Power of Love

Friday is a full-day intensive dedicated exclusively to our camp parents. Facilitated by April Dinwoodie, Dr. Tony Hynes, and featured world-renowned expert Bryan Post, this day bridges critical conversations about race and adoption with a revolutionary approach to emotional regulation.

• Morning: We will unpack what it means to build an intentional, culturally conscious home. Bryan Post will then break down the neurobiology of the adopted brain, reframing "defiance" as a panic response and challenging traditional discipline paradigms.
• Afternoon: We'll model real-world language for complex, heartbreaking questions—covering birth family connections, sibling separation, and teen autonomy. Bryan will close with a practical blueprint to move past rewards and punishments, prioritizing your own internal calm to completely transform your home.

Saturday: Crowned, Confident, & Connected

• Morning (Real Talk, Real Tools): Parents will gather at Nelson Commons with Dr. Jennifer Noble ("Dr. Jenn") to break down the complexities of racial identity. This session equips you with everyday strategies to protect and honor your multiracial and monoracial children as they navigate microaggressions out in the world.
• Afternoon (Blended Together LIVE: Crowned & Confident): From 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, the energy shifts to an immersive program anchored in the vital role hair and style play in belonging and confidence. Featuring celebrity hair stylist Johnny Wright, Dr. Jenn, and April Dinwoodie, you'll experience live mainstage, "special occasion" hair demonstrations, panel discussions, and a dedicated parent Q&A. Following the main stage programming, all campers and parents will be invited to enjoy hair care consultations with stylists and barbers onsite, photo booths, face painting, storytelling and more…

From courageous parenting insights on Friday to an affirming celebration of identity on Saturday, this weekend is built to sustain and strengthen your family.

We cannot wait to take this journey with you!

2026 Presenters

Bryan Post - world-renowned clinician and leader in trauma-informed care who dismantles traditional compliance-based parenting models in favor of a neurobiological framework rooted in radical empathy and unconditional love.

Dr. Jenn Noble - a psychologist and parent coach dedicated to empowering youth and families by helping parents navigate the complexities of racial identity, multiracial family dynamics, and the unique cultural barriers that impact connection.

Dr. Tony Hynes - author and researcher, whose work bridges the personal and professional realities of transracial adoption. 

April Dinwoodie - nationally recognized thought leader and the ED of TRJ who dedicates her work to helping families navigate the intersection of identity, transracial adoption, foster care, and differences of race, class, and culture.