About two weeks ago, I decided to go volunteer and serve at a dinner with my mom because I didn’t have any plans. While I was there, I was offered the opportunity to be a counselor at Royal Family Kids Camp. My gut reaction was no. I was scared to be with a bunch of people that I didn’t know. I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to see at night or that I wouldn’t be able to lead my camper. I panicked and kept saying no. I ended up saying I would think about it but I still felt like l didn’t want to do it. I felt too nervous and anxious about it.

The camp started only about a week later so I didn’t have a lot of time to wait and think about it. After giving it a couple of days, I felt something pulling me to go to camp. Royal Family Kids Camp is a camp for foster kids. I didn’t know anything else about it really. This opportunity fell in my lap and I didn’t want my eye disease to hold me back. So, despite my nerves and anxiousness, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and say yes. This may seem small but for me this was a big step. I usually do everything with a friend because I don’t like being worried about getting stuck at night or having to explain and talk about my eye disease to new people. My mom was going to camp as staff but she wouldn’t be able to help me throughout camp because we were doing different things. But again, something was pulling me to do this camp and take this counselor spot.

As I started to fill out the paperwork and do the training, I didn’t know what to think. I was still very nervous but also excited and curious as to what the upcoming week had to offer. It all happened so fast and I was so unsure about what everything would be like, what the lighting would be like and how my week would go. During the training, it talked a lot about leaving your self and your issues at home or behind when you go to camp. You are there to focus one hundred percent on the kids. Although I felt ready to focus on the kids, I still had my eye disease in my head. I tried to ignore it and let it go but I couldn’t yet.

On the day of camp, we all met at Golden Hills (the church that sponsors this specific camp). I got there and started and meeting people, they were all very nice. I ended up carpooling with a few of the girls and we really hit it off. I told them about my eye disease in the car in hopes that they could help me or at least someone would know about it. After I said it, I felt a little better. When we got to camp, I found out that one of the girls, Megan, was on the other side of my cabin so that made me feel a little better. As the day went on, I stared to really become friends with Megan. When it started getting dark I reminded her that I would need help and she adapted very well and was super sweet. I felt so much better. The campers come a couple days after the staff and counselors so that we can set up camp and decorate first.

The next day I told all of the counselors on my side of the cabin about my eye disease. They all took it very well. I felt good and became a lot more comfortable. Along with comfortable, I felt like I was finally more capable of being a good counselor. At this point, I just wanted to meet my camper.

It was Monday and the campers were finally coming. I was so excited. I stopped thinking about myself and my disease and just wanted to meet my camper. I don’t think I can disclose her name, so we will call her K. The campers come up on a bus and they roll out a red carpet for them to walk out on. All of the counselors make decorated signs with their names and we cheer and chant for them as they walk off the bus. The feeling that overcame me as the children were coming off of the bus was indescribable. I felt so choked up and excited all in one. My voice was shaking and I wanted to cry, yet I couldn’t stop screaming and smiling. It is a very intense and emotional moment.

As camp continued, I felt so at home. That’s when I realized that I was brought to camp for a reason. My camper was so amazing and we clicked so fast. I loved spending every moment with K and getting to know such an amazing young lady. I wasn’t thinking about me anymore. I was only thinking about K and someone else. I felt something pulling me to camp and it was God. Royal Family Kids Camp is a place filled with the love of God and the most amazing people and children you will ever meet. The camp itself is amazing from the staff and food to the environment and love. Everything about this camp almost leaves me speechless. Except that I can’t stop thinking and talking about it.

My faith has grown so much stronger. K taught me so much and humbled me. She was the last camper to register and I was the last counselor, talk about meant to be. These campers have been through so much and when you show them unconditional love, it is amazing how connected you feel. I encourage everyone to find a way to get involved in this camp because it will change your life and you. I believe that this opportunity didn’t just fall into my lap, I know it was meant to be.

As I am home from camp, it has been hard to adjust. My heart aches for the kids that we had to let go home. We can’t stay connected with them after camp due to legal reasons but I think we have left lasting impressions on their hearts. I found a quote that describes this situation really well and helps me during my own process of being home from camp. “We can’t let the fear of loving a child who might leave deter us, we must let the fear of a child never knowing love drive us.” This quote really helps me focus on the positives from camp or help me when I am feeling sad. I remember that we showed these kids love for a week and we also showed them the forever love of Jesus. This gives me comfort.

After being involved in such a life changing experience, I realized and learned a few things. The first thing is that stepping out of your comfort zone is worth it because amazing things happen. The second thing is that God leaves me speechless and does the most astonishing things. I already knew this but RFK Camp really reiterated that for me. Another thing is that there are so many wonderful people in the world. I met some of the most awesome people through RFK! And lastly, always show people love and compassion because even a little of that can go a long way.

This camp and experience has really pulled on my heart and I hope that everyone can go through an experience like this and feel these similar feelings one day. My life is changed for the better. I feel impacted in the most amazing way. I’m sorry for such a long post but felt that this was something important to share. Thank you for reading if you made it this far! ❤

I also want to say thank you to everyone who encouraged me to go to camp because you were all right and I am very thankful for you guys and this experience !