Tucked away in the mountains near Red Feather Lakes, the serene landscape is delightfully interrupted by a symphony of cheers and chants from young, spirited voices. Summer camp is in full swing, but Royal Family KIDS camp stands out as a unique haven. Listen closely to the jubilant shouts and you'll hear something extraordinary, each cheer and exclamation is a note of encouragement – a chorus of communal support. These aren't just the joyful cries of children reveling in summer fun; they're heartfelt affirmations from kids lifting each other up. Here, amidst the adventures and excitement, kids within the foster care system have a fun-filled week, in an environment defined by encouragement and support.
Royal Family KIDS provides a camp for kids in the foster care system in Weld and Larimer counties. Since 2016, Royal Family KIDS has collaborated with the human services departments in both counties and created this sanctuary for kids who may not have a stable living situation. Previously held on CSU’s campus, Royal Family KIDS camp found a new home this year at a former Girl Scout camp, now owned by Denver University, which graciously lends its picturesque property for a week to Royal Family KIDS.
Darell Hailey, a Timberline pastor and the executive director of Royal Family KIDS explains the camp structure and the purpose behind this camp experience.
“Of the 300-plus kiddos we’ve had at camp the past nine years, well over half have been returning campers. Many of them have attended camp five years in a row. The camper age range is 7-12 years old, at 13 they are invited into our ongoing Graduate Program,” Hailey said. “This history and structure have afforded us a tremendous opportunity to build and perpetuate great relationships with the kiddos, caregivers, and caseworkers. These relationships have indeed helped the kiddos feel like they are part of a greater family, adding some much-needed hope into their lives!”
These kids have been through “trauma with a capital T,” which unfortunately includes a variety of potential behavioral issues, but the volunteers are ready to take on whatever the week brings, and all come together with a goal of giving these kids a week filled with lasting memories, as well as the encouragement, love, and support that stays with them through the rest of the year.
Evan Van Pelt, a 17-year-old junior guide in his third year as a volunteer, said the training process equips volunteers with tools they’d need when it comes to working with kids from different backgrounds.
“The training process seems a bit daunting at first when you realize what these kids have been through, but it’s better when you realize they are just kids after all and just want to have fun,” Van Pelt said. “Much of the training is learning how to make them feel as loved as possible and how to console and help them whenever they feel overwhelmed or anxious.”
Every year, an awe-inspiring group of around 100 volunteers brings the camper-to-volunteer ratio to an impressive 2:1. These dedicated individuals are the heart and soul of Royal Family KIDS, making it the best time of year for many children who face unstable home lives and uncertain futures. Volunteers come from all over Fort Collins, with many hailing from Timberline Church. Former campers and high school students are also encouraged to join, creating a ripple effect of positive impact and support. Their collective efforts ensure that each week is filled with fun, activities, and genuine care.
In her third year as a volunteer, Junior Guide, Kylie Scheidt, describes the roles of the different volunteers and the significant impact each person plays in these kids’ experience of camp.
“In simplest terms, the guides are like parents, and the junior guides are like the cool older siblings. We get to play with the kids during activity times, lead them in dances, and put on a little skit for them throughout the week. The kids definitely bond with us a lot differently from the guides since we are closer in age, and because we mainly just have fun with them –not to say that the adult guides aren’t fun too, they’re awesome as a matter of fact," Scheidt said.
As you arrive at camp, the atmosphere is infused with love, support, and genuine encouragement. It's not just the guides and junior guides who cheer on the campers; every volunteer has a warm, welcoming smile and takes a heartfelt interest in each child. The extraordinary level of care and support for these often-overlooked kids is remarkable.
Mia Alvarez, a former camper in her first year of volunteering, reflects on her experiences as both a volunteer and as a camper at Royal Family KIDS camp.
“Being a volunteer at camp not only impacted my inner child but it has impacted my entire daily life. Being a volunteer at camp healed a deep part of myself just being able to see the preparation and the love every volunteer brings to the table. There is something so powerful knowing each one of the volunteers is doing camp because they want to be there, and they want positive change,” Alvarez said.
Each camper leaves camp with a memory book that captures the fun moments and incredible achievements they experienced, such as completing the ropes course which soars more than 30 feet in the air. They also gain a sense of empowerment, realizing they can accomplish anything they set their minds to – which is a lesson that is especially valuable for kids who have faced significant challenges. This camp offers much more than a typical summer camp. “These kids leave camp knowing someone loves and believes in them,” Alvarez said.
Royal Family KIDS camp is more than just summer fun. It gives kids tools they can use throughout their lives, and the knowledge that they are loved, which will carry them through the hardest of times, and provides a foundation for them to become positive beacons, right here in Northern Colorado, or wherever their lives take them.
“These kids leave camp knowing someone loves and believes in them.” - Mia Alvarez
"These relationships have indeed helped the kiddos feel like they are part of a greater family." - Darell Hailey