RFKC: Teen Volunteer

Hardwork, dedication, a great sense of humor, and a wole lot of patience went into making the 2009 session of RFKC camp a tremendous success. Never have I been to camp myself, but even though this camp was not geared toward my enjoyment but for very deserving young children, and the work certainly wasn't always easy, I had the time of my life! Even the training session before hand on June 6th was informative but definately enjoyable. I can say that it was certainly more rewarding than the soothing, full-body massage I missed to attend, and man was that a hard choice!
Grandparents, singers, camp councelors and teen helpers including myself, along with a few others there to help, all arrived at the camp grounds on Sunday, June 28th. That was our day to prepare the camp for the next day arrival of the most deserving kids I now know. We teen helpers got our schedules and found out that our main tasks would be in providing assistance during meals. As we later found out, camp activities that were hosted for the campers, but fun for all, were a good part of our responsibilites as well. Three guys and myself ran one of the water rides at the carnival and had an absolute blast taking turns sliding down it and watching the kids to make sure they were safe too. Night-time relief for the councelors was also something we had to fill in for as the church who normally steps in to cover it decided not to this year. That simply included getting the kids in bed while the councelors got a 2 hour break from their long days with the children.
As a character in the sheepfold, a play that we put on to help the kids with moral growth, I found myself often allowed to skip dish duty in order to attend dress rehearsals. We completed one scene of the play each day that we had rehearsed for the day before. Needless to say, if we were doing dishes or hanging out with the kids and councelors, we were busy doing somehing else constructive. Teen helpers made up the entire cast.
Throughout the week teen helpers, including myself, assisted with many things. We sang carols for the kids when Santa came to town, we dressed up with the girls and passed around tea and crumpettes during the tea party, we helped the young boys with archery lessons and even entertained the kids by dancing around and getting in conga lines while the adults were planning the next activity. There was never a dull moment. One teen helper even volunteered to dress up in the heavy easter bunny outfit during the easter egg hunt. We banned together to set-up and dismantle the shaving cream fight, and I even found myself in the swimming pool after being begged by one of the girl campers to swim with them.
Despite the long hours, and my less connected role with the children, I grew very fond of their energetic presense over the week. I made a critical effort to sport the widest smile possible everyday and treat them like kings and queens as well as I could. These children, most having come out of foster care, were most deserving and I was sure to make them realize how important their lives were. Their tender ages of innocent childhood pushed me even more so to be a good role model. And, even though there were times when one child just would not go to bed or do as I ask, I can proudly say that I never waivered, although I came very close.
Through this activity I hoped to become a more humble person, and to grow a fonder sense of blessing and spirit. But, I shall say that my gains have proved much larger. Faces still linger in my head of the children , and even camp workers who tried so hard to conceal tears on the day of departure. I can still hear their joyful laughs as they splashed and slid down the rides at the carnival. I can still feel the pitchers of cool punch that I walked around with to make sure the kids and councelors had all they wanted to drink, way before I would sit down and accept my own meal.
The week I spent at RFKC has to have been the most rewarding volunteer experience I have completed so far. Positively certain am I that I shall return next year to put more smiles on more faces and lend a helping hand to this great camp. I really do believe that it takes a village to raise a child and I'm so fortunate that I could be a part of this village.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the camp and it's purpose in reaching out to abused children, I have had to exclude names of the people and children I encountered. Anyone wishing to recieve additional information about the camp may ask Mr. Tony Geasley. He has been a participant of the camp for many years now and recruited me.

Total Number of Hours : 93 (yes 93)
6/ 6/ 2009
6/ 28/ 2009- 7/3/ 2009