For The Children

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"FTC Bethalto (IL) has been serving children in Madison County and surrounding counties for nine years. At their Royal Family KIDS Camp, volunteers bring their unique gifts to make moments matter for children in foster care.

This year, campers made their own stuffed animals, complete with outfits, thanks to a donation from a small business owned by a church member!

During chapel time, campers spoke into a microphone to share their favorite experiences from the day. Lake time, Bible stories, and make-your-own stuffed animals were all mentioned. But one camper’s comment brought tears to my eyes: “Being here with all of you.”

Volunteers at FTC Bethalto are creating life-changing moments all week. It’s a beautiful sight to witness." -Wendy McMahan, FTC President

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"FTC Anchorage (AK) is our northernmost chapter in the world! My summertime visit included temperatures in the 50's (F), rain, and the striking beauty of snowcapped mountains.

But I see similarities in Royal Family KIDS Camp wherever I go. One of those similarities is that every camper's birthday is celebrated at Royal Family KIDS Camp!

In Anchorage, as part of their big birthday party, each child is presented with a personal cake. A volunteer decorates each cake especially for the camper with his name and a face matching his hair color, eye color, and skin tone!

I watched Jimmy as he received his cake. I'll never forget the look of wonder in his eyes as he received such a special treat. All of our themes for the week were reflected in his eyes... "I am wonderfully made." "I am made to be loved."

The birthday party is just one example of how volunteers at FTC Anchorage are showing God's love to children who have experienced trauma. Of all the wonderful sites to visit in Alaska, there's nothing more beautiful than seeing the local Church serving God's precious children!" - Wendy McMahan, FTC President

It is the hope for every child, particularly those who have experienced trauma, to experience redemption later on in their life. Mari’s story is a beautiful example of redemption. One that reflects God’s promise to us all and the hope we can find in Christ’s followers listening to their calling and uniting around our community’s most vulnerable children. Mari is now using his story in his novel, 'Fostered For Greatness,' to inspire greatness in us all.

Mari's story is an important voice in the foster care movement, to help people understand that foster care can be a positive influence in the lives of youth and we are honored and excited to be amplifying his story with our followers.

Purchase his book by following the link: https://mariramsey.com/home

"It is a great camp, and the kids enjoy it tremendously. It is good to know that so many churches and volunteers care about our children. They are a blessing from above!" -Parent/Caregiver/Foster Parent, FTC Milwaukee

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“I took a group with me to visit FTC Living Truth Fellowship's (CA) Royal Family KIDS Camp just a few weeks ago. We arrived at the archery range just as a group of boys was departing… all except one. Several staff stood with Alex, an 8-year-old boy who had tried and tried but hadn’t yet popped a balloon with his bow and arrow. The staff cheered him on as the lead volunteer coached him along. Finally, after dozens of tries, Alex’s arrow popped a balloon! Alex jumped up in the air and did a victory dance. The adults cheered. I’ll never forget the look on Alex’s face, which showed his pride at accomplishing something so difficult.” – Wendy McMahan, FTC President

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“One of the first activities at FTC Refuge OC’s Royal Family KIDS Camp is a birthday party for all the campers. I watched as each camper played carnival-style games where everyone won a prize. They ate birthday cake, sang happy birthday, and soaked in the love of all the caring adults around them.” – Wendy McMahan, FTC President

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“At Royal Family KIDS Camp with FTC Omaha (NE), campers heard Jesus’ parable about leaving 99 sheep to find one lost sheep. “Do you ever feel like a lost sheep?” the teacher asked. You could hear a pin drop in the room as campers processed their own feelings. “God loves you,” she said. “He wants to take care of you. You belong to Him.” I heard sniffles across the room as several children processed the meaning of the statement that they were loved by God.” – Wendy McMahan, FTC President

"I wish this kind of understanding, support & love was available to these kids in more aspects of life! Camp was an absolutely wonderful experience for my camper (who has quite the history and struggles!) and amazing as a foster parent to know that they are with people that get it. Of course it is also a benefit that it allows some respite for the caregivers to recharge!"
-Parent/Caregiver/Foster Parent, FTC Northwest Arkansas 💜

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHT: “Campers feel loved at FTC Parker! At their Royal Family KIDS Camp, I watched as every camper learned about (and practiced) emotional regulation through a connected relationship with adult volunteers—a skill that will help them when they return home and for the rest of their lives.” – Wendy McMahan, FTC President

Happy first day of summer 💜

Positive change happens where relationships begin.

Follow the link to learn more about our camp and mentoring programs. https://www.forthechildren.org/about-us/camps

This isn't just a day to celebrate the fathers who are making a difference -- it's also a day to remember the Fatherless out there who need us to come together and end this crisis.

Thank you to our many volunteers who illustrate a loving father-figure to children in foster care.

Be sure to buy your ticket to see The Sound of Hope on July 4th by following the link! http://angel.com/forthechildren

Gage is a Royal Family KIDS program alumni who has come back to serve at both camp and mentoring with FTC Parker in Colorado.

Gage is pictured here with his former mentor, Troy, who is still involved in his life today.

Positive change happens where relationships begin!

Follow the link to learn more about our Royal Family KIDS Camp program.

https://www.forthechildren.org/about-us/camps

"Royal Family KIDS Camp is where it all started..." -Rob Knutsen

What planted the seed for Rob and Holly Knutsen to begin their journey of fostering and adopting? Our Royal Family KIDS Camp program.

Read the full story of how the Knutsen family grew by two after adopting two children from foster care in Huntington Beach, Ca by clicking on the link.

https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2024-05-29/huntington-beach-family-grew-by-two-to-help-foster-care-kids-in-need

Young people must have equitable opportunities to build supportive, caring relationships that nurture their development, well-being, and future goals.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/

May is in full swing! Together we can make a difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care.

Showing up matters. Authentic relationships have lifelong impacts. MOMENTS MATTER. https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/

As we celebrate May as Foster Care Awareness Month, will you join us in prayer for vulnerable children? Follow the link to 's Foster Care Prayer Vigil.

https://www.waitnomore.org/foster-care-prayer-vigil/

Join in Raising Awareness for National Foster Care Month!

This year, National Foster Care Month (NFCM) will raise awareness about the needs of youth transitioning out of foster care into adulthood and independent living. This year’s theme — “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.”— emphasizes how it is essential to create a child welfare system that takes a holistic and culturally responsive approach to engaging youth in planning for their future to help them leave care with lasting relationships, meaningful supports, and greater opportunities.

Visit the campaign linked below to learn more about NFCM and to find tools, resources, and outreach materials to help your networks raise awareness.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/

We 💜 our alumni who come back to volunteer!

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🎉Volunteer Recognition Day🎉

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all the real-life saints and superheroes of this world. Our volunteers MAKE MOMENTS MATTER for children in foster care and we see God’s love and light shown through them every single day.

Thank you to our many volunteers, past and present. You have answered Jesus’ call to care for ‘the least of these.’

Tag a fellow volunteer and tell them why you appreciate them on this special day!

For The Children is a bridge organization. We mobilize and train local churches around country and around the world to host Royal Family KIDS Camp & Mentoring programs.

The curriculum & activities are rooted in the proven therapeutic method of TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) to ensure our children are experiencing truly life-giving activities.

Lynda, FTC Quad Cities Area Volunteer, wrote to us about their experience at Royal Family KIDS Camp:

“The Transformation

I love watching the children be transformed by just 1 week of camp. Our first-time campers arrive at registration, shy and tentative and unsure of themselves.

Over the course of the week at camp, we
see them blossom. They have the freedom to just be kids and play. Seeing this brings me joy each and every year. I love connecting with the children, playing with them, and seeing them relax and have a good time.”

Thank you to Lynda, and to all our wonderful volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you!

Let’s give a big hand to Morganne Williams, Volunteer at FTC Kearney and foster care parent!

“I have always wanted to be a foster parent, but being involved with a Royal Family KIDS program has really sped up the process. I don’t think I would be in the same place I’m at in my life spiritually, professionally, or personally without Royal Family KIDS programs in my life. My relationship with God would not be as strong, I would not be as passionate about my job helping foster families, and I would not have become a foster parent at age 22.”

-Morganne Williams, Volunteer at FTC Kearney

🌟Thank You to Our Volunteers🌟

“My dream for volunteers is to see an awakening of all generations discovering their calling to care for children.” -Wendy McMahan, FTC President

Volunteers may begin with a vague idea that children need help, but they leave with deeper understandings, life-giving memories, and personal relationships.

Tag your Royal Family KIDS family in the comments below and tell us why you are thankful for them!

Every year on the third Thursday in March, encourages adults to tell kids how absolutely incredible they are.

Our mentors are honored to tell their mentees just how incredible they are every day!

Everyone needs a good mentor. But for children in foster care, particularly those who have experienced severe trauma, abuse or neglect, it can be life-saving.

Become a mentor today! Follow the link to find a location near you.
https://www.forthechildren.org/locations