RFKC is a camp exclusively for abused and neglected kids, ages 7 to 11, in the foster care system. For five days they are treated like royalty and reminded that they are special and loved, not only by us, but more importantly, but God.
{all the volunteers praying before camp begins}
We had 32 kids at camp - half boys, half girls. Every two kids were assigned a counselor. There was music, skits, games, swimming, hot air balloon rides, and a gigantic birthday party. A lot of these kids have never had a birthday party, which seems so hard to believe. When I asked one little girl when her actual birthday is she said October. Then she said "I'll be 12 on my birthday since I turned 11 today." That should be nice and confusing.
During the week they learned the story of Joseph, who was horribly mistreated by his brothers but was beautifully redeemed in the end. The kids learned to have hope because God has a plan and God has the power. When the kids were getting picked up on Friday, sibling's Emily and Lucas were picked up by a case worker and taken to a new home. They were not going to the foster family they had been living with over the past year. I don't know why. It was so incredibly sad. But just as they were about to walk away, Emily but her arm around her little brother and said "Lucas, I know it's going to be okay because God has a plan and God has the power." Amen.
{CoCo, our camp mascot}
Every camp needs a creek. Our was perfect for the boys, who were constantly catching snakes, fish, etc. On Wednesday, Aiden, one of the younger boys, finally caught a fish. Then it died. He was devastated. Two of his cabin mates prayed that night that Aiden would catch another fish. The next day he caught four.
The next day Aiden got across the creek but couldn't manage his way back. He walked halfway and then freaked out, even though the water was barely 6 inches deep. After a lot of encouraging, he stopped, prayed "Jesus, please help me across the creek" and then walked right across. I'm fairly sure he's sold on the power of prayer. It was awesome.
One night we held a royal banquet for the kids. They dressed up and were served their meals by the staff. We taught the boys etiquette {funniest thing ever}. One lesson they learned was to stand up when a lady leaves the table. At one point, we looked over and noticed one of the boys was standing up behind his chair. Five minutes later he was still standing there. Someone asked him what he was doing and he said he was waiting for the girl who was sitting next to him to return. I think he waited for twenty minutes.
As grossed out as the boys all acted when learning etiquette, they rose to the challenge. Never underestimate a child - they will always meet or exceed your expectations.
It was an awesome week. And incredibly sad. They don't understand why a group of adults would volunteer their time to be with them. No one in their lives is there for free. Foster parents, case workers, tutors, etc. all get paid. It's also sad when you see 32 kids lined up before each meal to take medication. Or when you tell them they are beautiful and they look at you with disbelief because they have been fed such horrible lies about themselves and their worth.
But they shined. They have so much potential. And most importantly, they know they are loved by God. God has a plan. God has the power.
You really can make a difference in just one week. We're already looking forward to next year...
{To protect the kids, we weren't allowed any pictures with their faces. I also changed their names. More pictures to come later in the week, once i get copies...}
One night we held a royal banquet for the kids. They dressed up and were served their meals by the staff. We taught the boys etiquette {funniest thing ever}. One lesson they learned was to stand up when a lady leaves the table. At one point, we looked over and noticed one of the boys was standing up behind his chair. Five minutes later he was still standing there. Someone asked him what he was doing and he said he was waiting for the girl who was sitting next to him to return. I think he waited for twenty minutes.
As grossed out as the boys all acted when learning etiquette, they rose to the challenge. Never underestimate a child - they will always meet or exceed your expectations.
It was an awesome week. And incredibly sad. They don't understand why a group of adults would volunteer their time to be with them. No one in their lives is there for free. Foster parents, case workers, tutors, etc. all get paid. It's also sad when you see 32 kids lined up before each meal to take medication. Or when you tell them they are beautiful and they look at you with disbelief because they have been fed such horrible lies about themselves and their worth.
But they shined. They have so much potential. And most importantly, they know they are loved by God. God has a plan. God has the power.
You really can make a difference in just one week. We're already looking forward to next year...
{To protect the kids, we weren't allowed any pictures with their faces. I also changed their names. More pictures to come later in the week, once i get copies...}
3 comments:
This is beautiful and sad, as you said. So glad you could bless them as they blessed you.
What a great thing to be a part of. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this!!!! This brought tears to my eyes. Although, I have been so fortunate to get to adopt my only 2 foster children placements, there are so many more out there. It is so fabulous about this camp, can you send me more info on it so that maybe we can do something similar here!! Love it!! Love and Miss you as well!!
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