Revealing Letters

At the end of camp, we usually ask campers if they would like to write a letter to God.  It's up to them, whatever they'd like to say.  

We also ask if they would like to tell us what they like about RFK.

Here are a few letters from our camp in Tulsa, OK.

Changing Perspectives of Children in Foster Care.

For a variety of reasons people have made negative assumptions about children who are placed in Foster care.  It’s typical for people to assume that children are removed because the child’s behaviors are out of control.  This chart, based on data from the Children’s Bureau, clearly shows that the main causes for a child to be removed is because of the parents!   

(There are usually multiple reasons why a child is removed, therefore see the note listed.)

Note: These categories are not mutually exclusive, so percentages will total

more than100% and counts will be more than the total number of entries.

Unbroken - The Louis Zamperini Story Coming To RFK

About 18 months ago we were contacted by the Louis Zamperini Foundation inquiring about any potential interest RFK might have in using the Louis Zamperini story to encourage Foster Children.

If you don't recognize the Louis Zamperini name, his incredible story has been written about in numerous books and 2 full-length movies.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Zamperini

As an amateur WW II historian, I was immediately interested in making a connection.

Well, since that first contact a lot has taken place including the unveiling of an RFK comic book movie about Louis Zamperini’s life.  See below.

Here's a quick rundown of the journey so far: 

• Chris Carmichael and I meet with Luke and Lisa Zamperini.  (Louis’ son and daughter-in-law.)

• Attorneys drafting MOU's (Memorandum of Understanding) licensing the Zamperini story to RFK in various forms.

• Camp visit summer of 2018
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• Creation of a fundraising packet for donors for this specific project
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• Talking my way into being an Extra on the set of the second movie, Unbroken, Path to Redemption.  http://unbrokenfilm.com/

• Tons of meetings, emails and phone calls.

• Finding a Director for the short movie based on the 1956 comic book about Louis Zamperini’s life.

• Voice recordings for the movie.

• Editing and more editing…

• After much work and passion, the first chapter of the comic book movie is finally complete.

This fall, our Mentoring Clubs will be able to show all 12 chapters of the movie to the children and point out teachable moments.  The Mentors can then discuss the issues with the children.

The Zamperini story brings 3 major themes of discussion to the children.

1. Louis faced many difficulties, but he learned how to overcome obstacles.

2. Louis made promises to God that he didn't keep, he was even angry at God, but eventually, he found faith and it guided the rest of his life.

3.Although Louis was abused in the war, he found peace when he offered forgiveness.

Once all 12 chapters are complete, we begin condensing this story into a 5-day drama for the Olympic theme Camp drama next year.

What an amazing ride. 

Enjoy Chapter 1 and be prepared to hear a few voices that might sound familiar.

Click on this link to view chapter one:

https://vimeo.com/355348293

Skeptic To Director

While training in Texas this summer, our new perspective Director, Rick, shared how he used to be a skeptic before joining the RFK team in Concord and then Brentwood.

I asked him if he would repeat his comments on video because we have a lot of skeptics and reluctant volunteers who don't understand how we can help kids by giving them a great week of fun and memories and faith.

https://vimeo.com/357634335