This July, Messiah Lutheran Church is celebrating an incredible milestone—25 years of partnering with Royal Family KIDS Camp (RFKC) in Lincoln. Since the very beginning, Messiah has played an active role in helping make this week-long summer camp a reality for children in our community who need it most.
Each summer, RFKC serves children ages 6–12 who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma, many of whom are part of the foster care system. These kids come from hard places, and for many, trust and safety are unfamiliar concepts. But when they arrive at camp, everything changes.
Celebrating 25 Years of Partnership!
Camp is a place where love shows up
It’s a place where each child is known by name, where birthday parties are thrown just for them, where laughter echoes throughout the camp, and where they are surrounded by adults who simply want to be present and reflect the love of Jesus.
From the very first day, transformation begins. One volunteer shared, “We see kids come off the bus on Monday guarded, scared, and unsure. But by Wednesday, they’re grinning from ear to ear. They start to realize they’re in a safe place. They can just be kids.”
Over the past 25 years, Messiah has sent countless volunteers to serve as counselors, staff members, mentors, and behind-the-scenes helpers. Some serve all week; others give a few hours. But no matter the role, everyone becomes part of something bigger than themselves. And no one walks away unchanged.
isn’t just for the campers
The experience of camp often transforms the adults as much as it does the kids. One longtime volunteer reflected, “My first year, I was terrified. I didn’t feel equipped, and I was sure I was going to mess something up. But as the kids arrived, I felt Jesus say to me, ‘Trust Me. I got this.’ That week changed me forever. I’ve experienced the Holy Spirit in ways I never expected. Now I can’t imagine not going to camp.”
This camp has become sacred ground for many. Some volunteers have been coming back for more than a decade—what we lovingly call our “lifers.” Some former campers have returned to serve after turning 18, using their stories to inspire and support the next generation.
God has been writing miraculous stories at camp for 25 years. Stories of healing. Stories of hope. Stories of hearts opened to the love of Jesus. And Messiah has had the joy of helping write many of those chapters—through your prayers, your generosity, and your willingness to say yes.
Prayers are encouraged as we pray for:
- The children who will attend—that they would feel safe, loved, and seen.
- The volunteers—that they would be filled with energy, wisdom, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
- The camp environment—that God’s grace would cover every moment and every space.
- Life-changing connections that only Jesus can orchestrate.
There are so many stories to tell, but the heart of it is simple: Jesus shows up at camp. And when He does, lives are never the same.
Thank you, Messiah, for being part of this ministry for 25 years. Here’s to the next 25—because every child deserves a week where they are reminded they matter, they are loved, and there is hope.
Want to get involved or learn more about Royal Family Kids Camp? We’d love to help you take the next step. Whether you’re ready to volunteer or just want to know more, let us know—we’d love to walk with you on the journey.