Camp Is Over

How did the time go so quickly? It seems that we were just getting the campers settled into the lodge and now the camp is over. The campers had a good last day with the completion of the play, lunch out on the lawn, and tee-shirt signing. One of the long standing traditions before returning home is signing each other’s tee-shirts, much like students sign yearbooks on the last day of school. This gives the campers another way to remember their camp experience and the people with whom they shared it. After lunch it was time for the campers to embark on their journey back to Boise where the campers were able to perform a Coming Home program of music for their foster families. The audience also viewed a camp video, which gave a sampling of the many activities at camp over the last week.

We want to thank the foster families for letting us have their children at our camp this last week and we want to thank the many partners who worked with us to make this camp happen. If you’re interested in our camp and want more information, you can start with our web site Royal Family Kids' Camp Boise.

X Marks The Spot

Yesterday was a day of adventures. First we went on a treasure hunt. Each team was handed a treasure map, but unlike most treasure maps, this one was blank except for lines that resembled puzzle pieces. The

teams of campers were taken to the first station where they had to earn a reward and the puzzle piece of the map that would lead them to the next station. The map took them to spots all over the camp and led them to their final reward, a small treasure chest to hold all of the rewards they’d earned along the way. Each station also had a positive message for the campers to take with them. The rewards the campers earned are listed below:

- Bean Bag Toss, had the reward of a compass, which represents God’s direction in our lives.
- Sing A Song, had the reward of a harmonica, which represents the music God use to give us peace & joy in our hearts.
- Archery Shoot, had the reward of a jungle wrist band that represents the courage God gives us.
- Tight Rope Walk had the reward of a stone engraved with the word Faith, which represents our trust in God.
- Rope Course had the reward of gold coins, which represents the treasure of God.
- Searching the sandy banks of the pond offered up sand dollars which represents God’s peace.
- Riding the Zip line had the reward of jewels for the girls and sword pens for the boys, which represents God's provison of beauty, strength and protection for our campers.
- And finally the Port of Hope held the treasure chests that held all of the rewards that were earned at each point on the map.

The other adventure our campers had today was to sail in a sailboat. Before we go too much further in this narrative, I have to mention the generosity and selflessness of our host campground. The staff of this

campground really goes beyond expectations to make our camp a special one for our campers. The food is spectacular, and in fact the snow cone cupcakes pictured in July 5th's entry, are made and donated by the camp staff. They strive to anticipate our every need. They provided speedboat rides for the campers and today the host camp director spent the afternoon sailing with our campers. It’s hard to describe the laughter and excited discussions of our campers as they exited the sailboat and headed down the dock, but suffice it to say, it was a big hit. While we can’t mention our host camp by name, we do want to express a multitude of thanks for all they do for us.

BRRR – That’s Cold

One of the traditions of our camp is the Polar Bear Swim. The swim starts at 7:30 am and any camper, counselor, or staffer who jumps into the cold lake and makes their way across the swimming area earns a Polar Bear Award. For those who can’t bring themselves to get their head under the water at 7:30 in the morning, there is the Penguin Wade. You can attain the Penguin award by wading into the cold lake up to the knees. Many brave souls took a morning dip or did the wade up to their knees. After a hot shower and a hot breakfast, thoughts turn to the talent show, another camp tradition.

The talents displayed at our talent show might not be the typical ones shown on television. Yes we have our singers, dancers and a few puppeteers, but it’s not unusual to have someone demonstrate how to build a bug box, shoot a basketball through a hoop or paint a plaster wall hanging. Almost anything goes at our talent show because we want the children to experience the thrill of having someone applaud their efforts and treat them like a star. We had to make sure the talent show stayed on track because right after the talent show was the Birthday party.

The Birthday party is held for all of the campers. Sometimes our campers don’t have an opportunity to have a Birthday party. The party attendees are honored with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday with their names called out, grouped by the month in which they were born. Each is handed a Birthday box

filled with toys.

This already exciting day was rounded off with a fireworks display. All in all it was a very good day.

Successful Fishing Trip

One of the principles of our camp is we’re all winners and we don’t promote competition. Having said that, the boys and girls typically set up a friendly competition on who can catch the most fish at one of the local fishing holes. Since we don’t promote competition, I can’t say who won, but I will say the boys are very happy. It really goes beyond fishing; the counselors and campers have an opportunity to talk and further get to know one another in a beautiful setting.

Later that day, we were privileged to have a guest performance made by Central Mainstream Youth. This team led us in worship and then provided a fishing skit, very appropriate based on the day's earlier activity. The fishermen and fisherwomen in the skit were catching fish, which were considered trash fish. They threw these fish back into the pond saying that they were trash and not worth keeping. The narrator of the skit stopped midway into the performance and stated, that in God’s eyes, there are no “Trash fish” and those who were fishing should reconsider the fish they were catching. The skit ended with the narrator reiterating that everyone is worthwhile, highly valued and much loved in God’s eyes. One of the little girls in the front row with long brown curly hair, bright shining brown eyes, and a contagious smile, piped up and ask, “Do you mean we’re not trash?” Once again the narrator assured this audience of children, who have often times been told otherwise, that God loves them and that they are highly valued. This is the message of our camp; God loves and highly values all of us & especially our little campers.

The Warmth of Project Linus

 

Monday night was the introduction to camp. New campers always receive a new handmade quilt provided to us by Project Linus. The members of this organization work tirelessly to provide soft, colorful quilts for our children. These quilts immediately become prize possessions for our campers. They encircle themselves in their quilts and
their eyes glow with the physical and emotional warmth it brings to them, along with an ear to ear bright smile. These quilts are not esteemed just at camp. Our Dean of Women will visit some of the graduates of our camps in their homes and center stage in their rooms are the quilts they have received during their time at camp. If you’d like to read more about project you can find their web site by clicking here. For our part, we’d like to thank Project Linus, once again, for the hard work and beautiful quilts.

  Camper with her quilt

They're Here

The bus arrives

Taking the luggage to the rooms

Buddies great the campers

Finally, the event we long anticipated is here. Our campers arrived this morning amongst the welcoming cheers and clapping of their counselors and the staff. With the opening of bus doors began our Royal Family Kids’ Camp 2007. Once the campers and counselors find one another, they begin sorting through the scramble of luggage. As they walk to the lodge to unpack their clothes and other belongings, you can hear the returning campers telling the new campers about the fun that waits. It’s not long before you can hear the whir of the zip line as the campers fly down it, and the laughter around the campus as they explore the crafts and woodworking stations.

The pond is always a big draw. At snack time, one of the boys told me he was only interested in catching one type of dragonfly, “The black and white ones.” Other less discerning dragonfly catchers proudly reported on the number of dragonflies they’ve caught.

As you can imagine, hard work like dragonfly catching and bug box building can make you very hot. It’s not a surprise that a dip in the lake before dinner was well received.

Speaking of dinner, I wonder what’s on the menu.

Setting Up Camp

We’re here! The counselors and staff have made their way to camp to get everything ready for our campers. The day was spent setting up craft tents, getting the stage ready for this year’s play and decorating the rooms to provide a warm welcome for campers. The “Camp Players” have been rehearsing the lines of our new play and are set for the performance to begin. Everything is now ready, we’re eagerly awaiting the children’s arrival, and excited about what this year’s camp has to offer.

Color Blowfish suspended from the ceiling in mid-swim

 

A blue Blowfish stands watch from the upper bunk

 

A ship rides currents of air

 

Getting Ready For Camp

The 2007 Royal Family Kids’ Camp (RFKC) is fast approaching and the RFKC staff and counselors have met over the last few weeks to prepare for it.

The counselors met to learn more about their campers and the support staff met to learn their roles and to understand how they can support the camp. This week will be spent packing and doing those last minute things that always seem to pop up just before departure. The RFKC team appreciates the support our sponsors and partners have given in preparing for this camp and would appreciate your continuing to remember us as we seek to provide postive experiences for our campers.

Please be sure to check back with us as we use this blog to provide daily updates of the camp activities.

Camp is Almost Here

Camp counselor and staff are excitedly anticipating this year’s camp. We are joining with our sponsers and partners to prepare for a fun, harmonious & safe camp this year. We’ll be meeting this month to learn who our campers will be as well as going over the fine tuning of camp.

On another note, our last entry was about the Black & White Ball. We’re pleased to report that the funds raise from the Black & White Ball will send eleven campers to camp this year. Thanks to Alison & Mark Tilden for hosting this event.

What is RFKC Boise?

RFKC Boise is a non-profit organization staffed with volunteers. The goal of RFKC Boise is to create hope and positive memories for children who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The children who attend our camp are in the care and custody of the state of Idaho. They range in age from 7 to 11. Many of these children will move several times, from foster home to foster home, in the short span of their child and adolescent lives. Often times, Royal Family Kids' camp is the only stable, consistent experience these children may have.