What is Royal Family Kids? There are two parts to Royal Family Belvidere, Camp and Club. The first part is Camp. Each July we invite children from our community who have been abused, removed from their homes and placed in foster care to camp for a week. The focus of camp is to create a week of hope and positive memories, better memories for the children. Royal Club offers us an opportunity to continue to be in relationship with our campers. We continue to be present in their lives. The goal is to serve as mentors to these children by offering hope, extending compassion. We work to rebuild trust, self-confidence and hope.
Who Are Our Campers? Royal Family is specifically designed for boys and girls 7-11 years old that live in our community. Children, who have been neglected, abused, abandoned and possibly separated from their siblings living in foster care. Children, whose only memories are of distrust, perpetual anger and low self-esteem. Children, who are victims, longing to be loved and accepted.
What Do We Do While There? Have FUN!! We have all the typical camp activities – rock climbing, low ropes challenge course, zip lining, swimming, high ropes course. The morning Breakfast Club teaches life lessons and problem solving skills. EVERYBODY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY is the highlight of the week. Each campers birth is celebrated with games cake and presents. Happy Birthday is sung to each camper individually. For some this is the first time anyone has celebrated their birthday.
How Does Royal Family Kids’ Make A Difference? For one week our campers experience unconditional love. Counselors and staff are screened and trained to relate to the special needs of abused and neglected children. For each counselor, there are only two children. Allowing “Royal Family Kids” to receive maximum positive interaction. Camp activities and recreation are designed to promote success and self-esteem within our campers. Each camp has a Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, Coach, Nurse, Social Worker and other support staff. Their role….to give lots of encouragement, read stories, and most importantly listen.
Club meets every other month. The goal of Club is to continue to be positive role models and to build relationships with our campers.
Camp 2018 dates will be announced soon. Those interested in volunteer at this years camp should contact Nancy at rfkcbelvidere@gmail.com
All first year volunteers must complete an application, meet with the leadership team, complete a background check and attend training.
Contact Nancy today for an application.