About Our Chapter
Mission
To mobilize the local Church to create life-changing moments for children who have experienced relational trauma.
To interrupt cycles of abuse and neglect.
Vision
Treat People Royally
Make Moments Matter
Keep Moving Forward
Value
Fostering resiliency, self-esteem, hope, and positive memories. Curriculum and activities are woven through the modality of TBRI to ensure children experience life-giving activities.
Annually, 3.5 million cases of child abuse, neglect or abandonment are reported in America. One of these victims dies every six hours due to that abuse. In Kansas in 2019, there were 32,864 referrals for child abuse or neglect. Of those, 8,547 were referred for investigation, finding 4,146 children victims of abuse or neglect needing to be removed from their home.
But we are making a difference — through your support of Royal Family KIDS
Founded in 1985, Royal Family KIDS Camps are week-long overnight summer camps for children ages 7-11 who have been or currently are in foster care. RFK was started by a pastor in California who saw the need to provide hope to local foster children. Since then, the organization has grown to an international level.
Our local Chapter was founded in 2000, and has served over 600 foster children. As of 2021, RFK of Manhattan is directed by Andy and Sarah Newkirk. Former Directors include Glenda Newkirk (2012-2020), Mickey Willyard (2001-2011), and Scott Murrish (2000).
At Royal Family Kids Camp, campers receive often one-on-one attention from trained, caring adults. Our approach is to show kids positive, non-violent interactions that provide an alternative to many of the negative situations which children of abuse and neglect have faced. For one week, instead of operating in survival mode, they can just be kids. Activities at camp are designed to be non-competitive and non-threatening while allowing children to experience success. God’s love is modeled consistently, through the games, sports, activity centers, bible stories, drama, and quiet times the campers share with their counselors.
The Manhattan-area camp serves children in Riley and the surrounding counties, and is 100% volunteer-based. Volunteers give a week (and often more in preparation) to loving on the campers and sharing life-changing memories with them. Camp is provided at no cost to the child, the foster care family, or the State. Royal Family KIDS of Manhattan is a 501(c)(3) and is wholly funded through private donations and grants. Donations and gifts are tax-deductible, as allowed by law.
600+
Children Served
Since 2000, RFK of Manhattan has provided a positive, life-changing experience for over 600 children.
100%
Volunteer-Based
Royal Family KIDS of Manhattan is 100% volunteer-based. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
6,000+
Hours
Typically, over 6,000 hours are donated in preparation for the week of camp.
Same Heart, New Name, Bigger Impact.
We are now For The Children and here’s why.
For 30 years, volunteers, churches, businesses, local municipal partners and Royal Family Kids staff have dedicated their time, talent and treasures to help transform the lives of vulnerable children across the US, and world.
While RFK has formally overseen our camps and mentoring programs, the breadth of our work has evolved far beyond these two programs. Today we provide direct trauma intervention, advocacy, fostering, adoption, support to parents, and other crucial wraparound services.
While we acknowledge the expansion of our work across our 252 chapters, COVID-19 has profoundly increased the needs of children and families. Extreme gaps in fulfilling these needs cannot be overstated.
In order to address the systemic issues surrounding child welfare today, our organization must respond.
Consequently, as of November 2020, Royal Family KIDS, will officially be renamed For The Children. This transition will bring clarity to new opportunities, from providing laptops and shoes to needy children, to assisting overburdened social workers, to providing temporary shelter.
The teaching and example of Jesus in caring for “the least of these” will remain our motivation. As For The Children, we are also eager to focus on the systemic issues facing children, around the globe.
