For many children, summer camp means campfires, crafts, swimming, and memories that last a lifetime. But for some children in Allegany County, those moments of joy and belonging can feel far out of reach. That is what makes the work of Houghton’s Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) so meaningful each summer at Camp Asbury.

Every summer, the camp welcome children ages 6 to 12 for a week designed especially for youth who have experienced significant adversity, including abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Referred through the Allegany County Department of Social Services, the campers spend five days surrounded by caring adults, supportive friendships, and opportunities to simply be kids.

“Our role is to provide a week of safe, fun memories so that they can just be kids,” Nancy Murphy, Houghton RFKC director said. “We aren’t doing therapy, and we aren’t trying to improve their table manners. We are just giving them a glimpse of a world where their needs are prioritized and where they can be free of the stresses that are so often present in their everyday lives.”

For many campers, the week becomes much more than a summer getaway. It becomes a place where trust begins to grow.

More than 60 specially trained residential volunteers and approximately 30 day volunteers help create an experience where every child receives individualized attention, encouragement, and care. Through activities ranging from crafts and fishing to tubing, games, and evening cabin talks, campers experience safe and positive memories that many carry with them throughout the year.

Public school teachers across Allegany County often hear about the impact first-hand when students return to school proudly sharing the photo albums they receive at the end of camp. One child described Royal Family KIDS Camp as “the best week of the year.”

The long-term impact shows in the relationships that continue long after campers leave Camp Asbury. Last summer, five former campers returned to serve as volunteers themselves, a powerful reflection of the lasting connections and confidence fostered through the program.

Camp leaders say the growth they witness in children throughout the week is often remarkable.

One volunteer shared the story of two boys who initially struggled with roughhousing and negative behavior during evening cabin duty. By the end of the week, those same campers were opening up about their interests, future goals, and appreciation for the adults who spent time listening to them. One camper simply asked, “Can you come back to our cabin next year?”

Another volunteer recalled a camper named Will, who discovered a love for creativity while making sock puppets during craft time. As the week progressed, his excitement and confidence grew with each new creation he proudly shared with others.

For many volunteers, these moments are what bring them back year after year.

One counselor described Royal Family Kids Camp as “the hardest week of the year but truly the best,” explaining that volunteers return through major life changes because of the deep love they develop for the children they serve.

The program also provides an important respite for foster parents, grandparents, and guardians, many of whom are caring for children with significant emotional needs. Knowing their children are safe, supported, and celebrated for a week offers encouragement not only to the campers themselves, but to the families caring for them.

The heart of the program remains simple: creating a place where children who have experienced hardship can feel safe, valued, and loved – even if only for one unforgettable week in the summer.