We are dedicated to serving foster children in our community by providing free programs and services, including an amazing and life changing week at summer camp. The mission of For The Children is to transform our local community by interrupting cycles of neglect, abuse, and abandonment of children in the foster care system. Too often these children find themselves on paths to academic failure, dr
ug abuse, teen pregnancy, s*x trafficking, homelessness, and incarceration. At our free summer camps and mentoring programs dedicated to changing the trajectory of these young lives, we strive to plant seeds of hope, happiness, and wholeness. By helping to heal the scars of the past, we hope to aid these children in transforming into resilient adults with the ability to overcome challenges and be successful and healthy members of our community. Royal Family KIDS Camp is a one-week sleepaway summer camp for foster children ages 7-11. Camp 2024: Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2. At camp, we extend Christian love and care, with adults modeling a non-violent, positive way of life as an alternative to many of the negative, abusive situations which children of abuse and neglect have faced. Although each camp counselor and staff member is a committed Christian, the camps do not proselytize, and no religion is ever criticized or denigrated. In addition to receiving the attention and encouragement of an adult camp counselor and his/her "buddy camper," each camper is also exposed to a variety of fun activities, designed for their success and to build self esteem. Activities may include zip-lining, games, sports, activity centers, hiking, kayaking, swimming and fishing. A single compassionate church in a local area is responsible for each Royal Family Kids Camp. These churches are well-established and respected in the community. Renewal City Church in Longview, WA hosts the Royal Family Kids Camp for Cowlitz County. But it takes help from the whole community to make it successful. Additionally, several strict and important measures are taken to ensure the camps are safe for the children. Camp administrators and counselors go through intensive training, including a study of the dynamics of child abuse and neglect, using recognized professionals in the field as faculty. There is also an intensive screening process for counselors and staff. Two children - and only two - are assigned to a same-gender camp counselor. In addition, there is generally a back-up staff person for each counselor, so the actual staff-to-camper ratio is often one to one. The camp site itself has been especially selected to provide a safe, fun place for the camp experience. Ways to get involved:
* Like our page to keep up to date.
* Learn more at: www.ForTheChildrenCowlitz.org
* Signup for our email list on our website homepage.
* Donate (see below for details)
* Contact us about opportunities to serve at camp or throughout the year. How to Donate:
Whether it's a recurring $5/week donation, sponsoring a camper for $600 or a one-time $30 donation, anything and everything helps! Make checks payable to:
For The Children - Royal Family KIDS
1101 Commerce Ave
Longview, WA 98632
Or donate online: https://www.ForTheChildrenCowlitz.org/donate
