The Royal Family Kids (RFK) camp wrapped up on Monday, July 14, and while it only lasted four days, the memories will last far longer for the foster children who spent the weekend scaling rock walls, laughing with friends in color-coded cabins, and carving their names into the wooden trees built into the heart of each one.
RFK is a program that hosts a summer camp specifically for kids in the foster care system ages 6 to 11, offering them a safe, fun-filled environment to just be kids. This camp, which was made possible by Fostering Families and the support of the community, welcomed roughly 42 campers and over 140 volunteers this year.
Each child is paired with a “cousin”—a volunteer who serves as both a personal counselor and guide as they take part in a wide range of activities, including canoeing, fishing, biking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, water slides, a talent show, and one big birthday celebration for every camper. Other volunteer roles include aunts, uncles, and night angels; aunts and uncles typically handle tasks like decorating, setting up activities, leading arts and crafts sessions, and restocking supplies, while night angels step in to relieve cousins after their long shifts—giving them a well-earned break after a full day spent adventuring alongside the kids.
Campers are divided into six color coded cabins—blue, yellow, green, red, orange and purple—with each group following a carefully planned schedule that rotates them through a variety of fun and enriching activities. From early morning canoeing and fishing trips to afternoons spent tubing down the water slide, the camp’s structured routine ensures every child gets a chance to enjoy their favorite activities, with Monday serving as a make-up day where kids can choose which activities they want to participate in instead of following a set schedule.
The day's activities build up to special events, such as talent show and a collective birthday party to celebrate each of the kids. Volunteers also encourage a positive atmosphere by giving out "I-SPYs," which recognizes kids for displaying good behavior.
Beyond the activities and celebrations, RFK places a strong emphasis in ensuring that every kid feels seen and valued as an individual. When the kids initially arrive, they're greeted with personalized posters, made by different groups each year, covered in their names and colorful drawings, reinforcing the message that they're unique and that they belong. Before they leave, volunteers carve each of the kids names into a wooden beam built into the structure of each cabin—a lasting reminder that even after camp ends, the kids will forever be a part of the RFK family.
The camp also encourages empowerment by giving the children the freedom to make their own choices throughout their stay. If a camper isn't interested in doing one of the scheduled activities, volunteers offer alternative solutions, helping the kids understand that their voice matters and that they have control over their experience.
Much of what makes RFK possible is the unwavering support of the community and the volunteers who take the time out of their weekend to give these kids the experience of a lifetime. Through Fostering Bulloch and all those who donated to make this camp possible, the camp is funded, staffed and supplied by people who believe in the importance of giving foster children a safe place to laugh, explore and heal.
Even facilities like "BubbaVillion"—a covered pavillion near the activity center named after School Resource Officer Bubba Revell—stand as testaments to the people who go the extra mile to ensure every child’s experience is one they’ll never forget.
Although this year’s camp has come to a close, support is both needed and welcomed for next summer’s programs—including both RFK and Camp7, which serves older foster youth. Those interested in volunteering or learning more can click here for details and volunteer applications.
Enjoy this video from the 2024 camp
