Camper Memories that Matter

Ryan Michelle Wall, RFK Camper Alumni (1995-1997):

“When I was a child, RFK's camps made me feel important and engaged me in a way that my foster homes never did. I remember the first couple days of my first year being super timid but by the end of the week being fully engaged and trusting of my leader. Each year just got better. I saved my birthday boxes up until my mid-twenties! They were my fondest childhood memories.”

Our Australian Camp letter

Camps in Australia have had to cancel like many here in America.  Many of our volunteers have been sending letters and care packages to the kids at their homes. 

This camper received such a gift and wrote a nice thank you letter

Recent Email Received from a Former Camper:

Hello, I am a former camper of this camp!!! 

I wanted to try and find some of the counselors who helped change my life and shape me into who I am today!!! 

I don’t remember their names, however, I do have pictures of some of them!!

This camp really makes a difference in a darkened world and shows the light of Christ to

hurting children thank you so much for continuing this opportunity for others!!!

Dropping Camp is a difficult decision!

With many camps having to cancel or postpone this summer, I thought I'd share a letter from one of our Directors about how difficult the decision was to make.

Good morning Team!

It comes with a super heavy heart that I inform you,  the Leadership Team for Camp #304 out of NW Iowa  met last night and made the difficult decision to cancel camp 2020.  We have been meeting and waiting, hoping and praying something positive would happen in the world we are living in today.  While there are good things happening, there are still a lot of unknowns.  The logistics and protocols that would be put into place for us and our camp location could potentially have a very negative impact on our camp.  For example, all attendees would be required to have their temperature taken daily, in the event someone had an elevated temp, that entire dorm would be closed and everyone sent home leaving their personal items behind for 48hours.  We as a team could not fathom what that would do to our campers, and the lasting impact it would have on them. 

So, this year we are going to focus on showering them with love by providing them written mail from all volunteers who participate, a poster board with their name.  In addition, a backpack filled with school supplies, MP3 players, tennis shoes, hygiene kits, bible or devotional and a shirt.  Stay tuned for pictures and possibly a video.  We will also be planning a gathering later this year when restrictions have been lifted.  Our hope is that the Guide/GITS will help deliver the items to their campers from 2019.

While our hearts are super heavy today, we know that we serve an amazing Father, and one day (hopefully soon) we will be able to serve these amazing kids and our volunteers in the beautiful cathedral of the outdoors!  Blessings to all of you, thank you for all you do!

Blessings

Jenni B. | Director

Royal Family Kids of NW Iowa