Royal Family KIDS strives to confront abuse and change lives. Here at Royal Family KIDS Camp and Mentoring Clubs we carry on this national mission in Colorado Springs. RFK was established over 25 years ago in Southern California and is now offered in over 250 camps across the country and around the world! Together, we take over 5% of the entire foster care population in the United States to a week-long summer camp each summer, geared specifically to children of abuse and neglect. RFK Mentoring Clubs was the answer to an often-asked question on the last day of camp. “The week was amazing, but now they go home. How can we have an ongoing relationship to pour into these kids?” Each child is paired one-to-one with an adult mentor, a camp staff member, How can five days make a difference in the life of a foster child? Five days in the life of a child can make an enormous lasting impact. Five days of swimming, hiking, games, songs, Bible stories, dramas, a Tea Party, and—since most of our kids have never had a birthday party or even tried birthday cake—we celebrate EVERYONE’S birthday each Wednesday of camp! Five days of positive attention focused on each camper. Five days of affirmation for kids from hard places. We see them. They are not forgotten. They are loved. They are valuable. They are worthy of royal treatment. The Royal Family KIDS impact can continue after camp week with our 9-month-long Mentoring Club so that positive relationships from Camp can continue throughout the school year. Kids get to reconnect with other campers , many of the participating Staff members from Camp, and build lasting friendships with the other Mentoring Club Kids. Many of our Little Campers have been amazed by the fact that EVERY child at camp is a foster child. “You mean, I’m not the only one?!” They feel at ease with other kids because they all know what it’s like to lose their parents. Through Camp and Mentoring Clubs, children experience a lasting relationship with adults that are safe, trustworthy, committed, and caring. We show that they are chosen by us and God to be beloved and royal. We have children who—at age 12—have graduated from Camp and Mentoring Clubs ask if they can come back and help! They have been given hope, not only for themselves but hope that includes a desire to carry on the work of Royal Family KIDS and pour back into and encourage other foster kids.