Giving the Royal Treatment

One of the core values of RFKC is to treat people royally. Both staff and counselors strive to model behaviors that empower our campers to make wise choices and develop positive relationships.

It’s the second day of camp, and campers are beginning to overcome their initial shyness. During Kid’s Club, campers have an activity to keep a beach ball bouncing in the air. Camper Keith, who is sitting in the back, gets the chance to bounce the ball in the air, but he misses. He looks downcast. Camper Ryan, who is sitting near the front, see Keith’s reaction. When Ryan has his turn, he instead catches it and walks to the back, near Keith. “Hey Keith,” he calls out. Keith looks up, and Ryan bounces the ball to him. Keith smiles and hits the ball.

Thank you, Lord, that this camper is choosing to befriend a fellow camper who is struggling.

At lunch, camper Jillian tugs on her counselor’s hand. “I see Nurse Julie,” she says. “I need to speak to her!” Reaching Julie, Jillian looks up and says, “I want to thank you. You helped me feel so much better when I wasn’t feeling good.” Julie smiles and says she is glad that Jillian feels well now.

Thank you, Lord, that this camper is choosing to treat another person royally.

During quiet time, Parker, a first-time counselor, takes out a prayer rope. He prays, “Please help me show your love, Lord, to these campers,” while tying a knot. Then, while untying the strand, he prays, “Keep them safe.” 6-year-old Carson asks what he is doing. Parker explains the prayer rope to him, saying he speaks to God, saying one thing while tying the knot; he says another thing while untying the knot. Carson asks if he can pray. Parker gives him the cord, and Carson says, “Please watch over my counselor,” and then, “Keep him safe.”

Thank you, Lord, that this camper is choosing to communicate with you, King of Kings.

Minute by minute, God’s spirit is visibly moving through camp and through hearts, delivering royal treatment indeed!