Faithful

GOD IS SO FAITHFUL. The night before campers arrived at Royal Family Kids Camp 2023, our team’s leadership had a word for our staff: God’s blessings are infinitely stronger than the world’s curses. This word proved itself true time and time again throughout the week.

I was partnered as a “cousin” (camp counselor) with the same camper as RFK Camp 2022.

Last year, my camper was frequently overwhelmed, dysregulated, and avoidant as a result of her traumatic life experiences. Honestly, I was exhausted last year and expected the same to be true this year. BUT GOD IS SO FAITHFUL, and His blessings proved to be infinitely stronger than the world’s curses. This year, my camper (same girl) was more excited, adventurous, and independent. She demonstrated more flexibility in challenging situations and self-advocacy to meet her needs and wants. Unfortunately, this sweet girl got a fever on Tuesday afternoon and had to go home that evening. While many tears were shed (by her, me, and other staff) over this roadblock, the situation actually brought about one of my biggest highlights from camp this year... but first, some backstory:

This passionate, determined, thoughtful 8-year-old has been in over 10 placements since entering the foster system. Last year, she expressed paralyzing, melt-down inducing anxiety over making small mistakes – such as wearing the wrong pair of PJs corresponding to the night of the week – because she was terrified that any misstep would result in her going to “kid jail” (these were her words, probably referring to a local emergency center for children).

Back to this week... My camper embraced her foster mom with a huge hug when we met her in the camp parking lot for her midweek return home. She was thrilled to tell her mom about camp adventures over the last two days and eagerly asked if she could return next year. After getting in the car, my camper’s foster mom shared with us the intense therapy she has been through in the last year (at one point, 15 hours a week). The extraordinary support my camper has experienced in the last year has had a profound impact on her. The family has not heard any talk of self-harm from this 8-year-old in over 6 months. She is also developing greater positive self-talk. Then, my camper’s foster mom asked a question that I will remember forever: “When the adoption is finalized, will she be able to return to camp?” (Answer: Yes!) The word adoption has been ringing in my ears for the rest of the week. This sweet girl might be in her permanent family, never having to fear “kid jail” or another placement ever again. GOD IS SO FAITHFUL.

Moving to another camper story... One of my students from school was a camper at RFK this year! He was loved by all – his fellow campers and staff – making everyone smile and laugh. It was a heartwarming opportunity for me to observe and engage with my student at camp. We frequently said hello to each other and exchanged waves. He absolutely destroyed me at foosball, danced with me to our camp songs, and even held my hand during our closing prayer before leaving camp. During our Thursday night Variety Show, he sang “You Are My Sunshine” while strumming a guitar he made at our woodshop. He also included the audience in a second round of singing the chorus. I was so blessed by this student’s presence at camp all week.

While my camper leaving midweek was extremely disappointing, God was able to use this challenge to bring greater connection to my personal camp experience. For the last three days of camp, I was able to move into more of an “aunt” role, which allowed me greater flexibility in my schedule and opened doors for me to interact with kids across camp, instead of with just my one assigned camper. I was able to build relationships, eat meals, and craft activities with a variety of campers who I might have never met otherwise. I was able to move into spaces that supported other cousins, especially when campers were dysregulated and needed a little more support. Not only did God deepen my connection with a greater number of campers, but He strengthened my connection and relationships with other adults at camp, as well.

- Rebecca (Camp Counselor)