A week of fun, opportunities and lots of love is what the Delphi Royal Family Kids Camp offers for abused, neglected and abandoned children in Carroll, Tippecanoe, White, Cass, Howard, Clinton, and surrounding counties.

The program, explained in a brochure, stated children in foster care often do not get to visit their real families. The camp is designed to provide the child with a family environment surrounded by other children who have had the same or similar life experiences.

Royal Family Kids Camp is a faith-based, non-profit national organization. Staff work in conjunction with local individuals and organizations and are sponsored by area churches and volunteers. 2008 was the forth year First Assembly of God hosted the event. Camp is organized and directed by Mike and Rachel Roberts, who volunteer their time.

"We are trying to give them the best time of their life." Rachel Roberts said

Donations and local support provide the foster children a week where they are able to enjoy the whole camp experience. This year camp was held in June. Organizers were able to sponsor 26 children. Forty volunteers provided almost a two-to-one ratio for every child.

"Our goal is to encourage them, affirm them, and give them lots of unconditional love." Roberts said

They do this by offering horse riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, and a birthday party for every camper - right down to a cake and huge birthday boxes filled with presents for every child, many of whom have never celebrated birthdays. All of the boxes were donated by an area church.

At the end of camp all children attend a royal banquet. Each girl is given a donated prom dress. The child's hair done up by a hairdresser who volunteers for the week and make-up is done by a Mary Kay Consultant. This year Soles for Souls donated a pair of flip-flops and a pair of tennis shoes to each child. The cost per week for the camp is approximately $26,000. Many supplies are donated which helps keep costs down. The camping experience for the disadvantaged children is dependent on the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Only then is the Royal Family Kid's Camp a reality each year in Carroll County.

For additional information about how to donate or volunteer for the Royal Family Kids' Camp, contact the Roberts at (574) 870-6476 or by e-mail at roberts102@comcast.net and put "RFKC" in the subject line.