Special Feature
For 15 years, Hope Church- A Community Church in Gardendale has hosted Royal Family Kids Camp. The free summer camp is for children ages from six-11 in the foster care system. To host the camp, Hope Church works in conjunction with the nonprofit, For the Children, a network of local churches dedicated to providing unconditional love, hope and safety to children. The mission of Royal Family Kids Camp is that each child that attends experiences “unconditional love, hope for the future, and a place of safety,” explains Hope Church’s Beverly Hoff, adding, “We do this through trust-based actions and focusing on points including keep moving forward, making moments matter, and treating people royally.” Hoff explains that the camp curriculum and activities follow the Trust-Based Relational Intervention “to ensure our children are experiencing truly life-giving activities throughout the experience.”
There is no shortage of fun at this annual camp. Campers enjoy a week filled with Bible time, crafts, swimming, bike riding, and more. One big event that happens at the camp is a birthday party. “One night we have a themed birthday party. The reason we do this is because some of our campers have never experienced a celebration just for them,” Hoff shares. The camp also allows Hope Church staff and volunteers to share the Gospel with every camper. Hoff explains camp staff and volunteers share the Gospel with the children in direct and indirect ways. “We have a Biblical theme and lesson for the week, but we also model Christian living in the interactions between adults and children,” she says. The camp will take place July 9-14.
Ways to get involved. If you’re interested in volunteering, there is a place for you! Hoff says they are looking for volunteers ages 18 and up to be counselors, relief counselors and kitchen crew members. Other volunteer opportunities are available if you are a licensed nurse, licensed social worker, or a certified lifeguard. “We have experienced life changing moments with our campers and volunteers,” Hoff says. To learn more about how you can volunteer, email [email protected] or visit Facebook @Hope Church-Royal Family Kids Camp.
-Melissa Armstrong
