8.08.2016

Why I'll Be Missing The Next Week...

If you're here for another card, you'll be disappointed; if you love "helping others", you might enjoy this... (See the three points of the crown?  A counselor holding onto two kids!)



Royal Family Kids' Camp (RFKC) - started over 30 years ago in California, as the need for support in the foster system grew.  This program has now gone around the world!

RFKC - taking the abused and neglected, often overlooked population who are a part of our future generation, to a camp designed specifically for them.  Children who have high needs, who are not usually allowed to go to school camps, or even church camps, are given a chance to have fun in a "safe" environment, with only "safe" people, so that they might experience things that sometimes they would never get to otherwise.

They get to experience swimming, paddleboating, fishing, rockwall climbing, hiking, Coach Time, activities that are just for them.  Woodworking kits, craft kits, art that are all geared for success, no matter how little their experience.  Sports and activities are selected to make everyone a winner, and no child is "the last one picked" and a mail center so that everyone can get "happy mail"!  We also have a Birthday Party for everyone (some of these kiddos have NEVER had a Birthday party!  A party with Bouncy houses, arcade-type games, pizza for dinner, presents, cake and ice cream.  We're all about treating these kids like royalty, and making sure they know THEY matter!

The ratio is one counselor with two kids; two "buddy" counselors and four kids doing projects and fun together, for the safety of the kids.  Camp is very structured because most of the kids come out of chaos. Our ratio of staff to kids is more 1.3:1.  We have nurses and social workers there for the health of our kids.   Three square meals a day, plus snacks.  Every volunteer is trained, fingerprinted, record-checked, and interviewed to make sure we get the right "safe" people.  Everyone has a job, or 10, if need be.  We are all volunteers, no one gets paid to do a single things throughout the year, or during camp in support of this great program!  Many use their vacations to go to camp; some don't have paid vacations.

This written description, is not to pump up my pride or get a pat on the back, but to show you why I'll be MIA, and hopefully to understand a little bit about me.  It isn't about me, or us, it's about the kids!  As I sit here writing this, tears are truly streaming down my face.  This camp is our passion!  Hubbs, my eldest daughter and I have gone for 11 years now, only missing one year each, since it's existed here.  Our other two daughters have gone and worked, but life has taken them in different directions, but maybe again some day.  If you're a praying person, keep us in your prayers -- for success of another great camp, for the safety of the 64 children we take, and that another life (but preferably lives) are touched.

Thank you, if you lasted until the end!  Have a great week!  See you in a few days...

TK

10 comments:

Joan B said...

wow this is fantastic. if there is a place to donate please say so

Mac Mable said...

Praying for you xxxx

Anita in France said...

TK, as you know, I think this is such an amazing thing you do ... I will certainly keep the whole camp crew and kids in my prayers! Hugs, Anita :)

Happy Dance said...

Bless you TK, and your family for doing this. I'm certain that this is an experience that these kids will always remember and treasure, and they will think often and kindly on these summer days. We'll see you when you get back. Bev

I Card Everyone said...

Consider those prayers said, TK ... and whether you like it or not, I do give you many pats on the back! God bless you, and your husband/daughter. What a fantastic camp! Happy mail you say? I'd be honored to send some ... share away!!! xx
=]

TK said...

There are camps all over, but if you'd like to donate to ours specifically, the best way is https://whatcan10do.com/#rfk We are currently working on our own 501C3, but the national website has one as well. If you're interested in donating cards, then they can be mailed to: RFK Pasco, PO Box 2403, Pasco, WA 99302-2403 And THANKS so much for the interest!

Marybeth said...

You will have my prayers for sure! Oh my goodness this sounds wonderful! Wonderful you the kids and I'm sure for you as well, I know it takes a big heart and I thank you for doing this , God bless you all!!!!!xo

Marybeth said...

Donating cards???? For sure!!!! Birthday??

Barb Ghig said...

I'm so sorry for my late post, but glad I stopped by today...what a wonderful organization! I would love to send some cards, if you could tell me what kind, and if you want us to sign them...
This is such a great cause, and it must bring you immense satisfaction! Volunteering is the most fun, and best work I've ever done, so I'm sure you're enjoying it! Thank you so much for letting us know, and for stopping by my blog with your sweet comments!
I will wait to hear from you about cards...Thanks!

Darnell said...

Thank you for sharing this information, TK! As a former foster child, I wish there had been something like this back in my day. Obviously, I can relate and I can also give you my heartfelt thanks for your kind involvement of time and love. Thank you to the rest of your family as well. I will check the organization out for information on donating. I see that you do take cards, but now that summer is almost over, what happens to the cards that are sent in after camp is over? I know you aren't there, so I will see if I can find more info on happy mail online and how it works. You are an angel and you have my prayers!! Hugs, Darnell