Summer Camp for Madison County Foster Children

By Stephanie Bivens

Royal Family Kids is a weeklong camp hosted for 32 foster children, 16 boys and 16 girls, from the Madison County area.  The purpose is to create positive memories for children who might not otherwise have them. 
 
This year’s scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” 
 
Every day, the children attend chapel where they get to sing, dance, learn Bible stories and see the drama team perform on a jungle set.   
 
There are two campers per counselor and a family consists of a counselor in training, two counselors and four campers. 
 
There are a variety of activities for the children to participate in such as swimming, fishing, building birdhouses or benches and making crafts, such as tie-dyed shirts. 
 
A tea party is held for the girls on Thursday.  They get to dress up, listen to a story read by a beauty pageant winner and have their hair and makeup done by the counselors.  The boys usually meet a professional athlete and get to practice sports skills, learn a few tips and receive an autograph.            
 
Since not all of the children have had their birthday celebrated, EVP (Everybody’s Birthday Party) takes place on Wednesday evening.  Each child is given an individual cake, party favors, a birthday box and they get to enjoy birthday games. A rock climbing wall and a blowup slide are also provided for the children to play on.
 
To learn more about the Royal Family Kids organization and founders visit Royalfamilykids.org.