At any given time, there are about 2,100 children in out-of-home care. All children placed in foster care have experienced neglect, abuse, and/or abandonment. The pandemic has shined an even larger spotlight on the needs of foster children in our community. Our fundraising will allow my team raise funds to offer a week-long camp where foster kids can just be kids and give foster parents a week to take care of themselves.

I would mean so much if you have amount to give that can help us make a difference in the lives of these sweet children!

Your contribution can dramatically impact the health and well-being of one of San Diego’s most fragile populations.

Thank you so much!!!

Sincerely,

Sara

My Story: 

I was lucky to be able to be a counselor at last years camp and it was one of the most meaningful and emotional things I've ever been a part of. The team, leaders, and kids all taught me so much. Here is just a glimpse into that week with my assigned camper (every child has an individual counselor, or "cousin", to ensure they have the time and attention that they need, an amazing element of RFK): 

When Jade* walked off the bus on the first day of camp, met with music, cheering, and a tunnel of high fives, it was painfully clear that she didn’t want to be there. Unlike most of the campers, she had no smile, no eye contact, and her replies were short and angry. The struggle continued into the day, with Jade refusing to be in any photos and expressing her distaste for other kids, including her own cabin-mates. She was carrying an unfathomable amount of pain and seemed to be coping the only way she knew how: by putting up walls and keeping people as far away as possible.

As the week continued and she was surrounded by patient, humorous, warm, fun counselors, she began to let her guard down. She quickly felt at home in the arts and crafts center, where she was able to build and paint two birdhouses and a treasure box. Under the gentle guidance and encouragement of the volunteers, in a safe space where she could express her individuality and artistic gifts, her confidence began to grow.

Though the daily song and dance session of the camp was most of the kids' favorite part of the day, Jade initially refused to engage, standing with her arms crossed. As she continued to form trusting relationships with the adults around her, who acted just as silly and fun as kids themselves, you could see her feeling freer to be herself. Whispering the words turned into foot-tapping turned into full-on choreography.

While the entire rest of the camp prepared for the big Talent Show, Jade was adamant: she would NOT be participating. Though she had shared with her counselors that she had dreams of being a performer and an artist, she thought the idea of the show was silly and had no interest. Wounds of not feeling good enough and being shamed were starting to surface. However, on the last day, Jade announced (to the shock of her counselors) that she would like to sign up as a late addition. This was a girl with a vision. She recruited a few of her favorite volunteers to perform a hip hop dance number, planned the group outfits, and put glitter on her face. She performed center stage, with all the confidence of a seasoned pro. After she ran off stage, to what sounded like a stadium full of cheering, she was overflowing with pure joy and pride. She could not stop grinning.

That night, as her counselors were putting together her scrapbook made up of photos captured throughout the week, they were moved to tears. There was a shot of first day Jade, stepping off the bus, expressionless and trying to be invisible. Next to it was a shot of last day Jade, front and center during her dance number, arms stretched out, beaming ear to ear. The transformation was almost unbelievable.

When her sweet new foster mom came to pick her up, Jade excitedly grabbed her by the hand and said “Look! Look at my scrapbook! I didn’t have any photos of me smiling before and now I have an ENTIRE BOOK FULL!” Both the pain and the hope in that statement really highlighted the importance of the camp, and the potential that even one week has to move a child’s heart toward healing!!

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*name changed