ROYAL FAMILY KIDS #313 STATEMENT OF FAITH
Our mission is energized by our faith in Christ and informed by the teaching of the Bible. Our faith touches every aspect of our lives and therefore speaks to how we interact with and care for others. We want to model our faith and encourage faith in others. We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and it is the source of the principles upon which this organization is founded. We acknowledge that adopting a statement of faith can appear to be exclusive and judgmental towards others. All religions and philosophies are defined by their beliefs in contrast to others. The primary issue is how we treat those with whom we disagree. We want to provide a safe environment that allows everyone to discuss and pursue a life of faith. If disagreements arise, we will operate with respect, dignity, and integrity while staying within biblical standards. As a public benefit non-profit, we do not require those that we serve to agree with our beliefs or practice our faith. As an organization that is founded upon and operates consistent with biblical principles, we expect the sponsoring churches, leaders, and staff members to share our faith and abide by the truth expressed in the Bible. Our goal is to model our faith in a way that shows compassion and provides hope and a future to each child, regardless of their background.
Standards for Leadership and Volunteer Selection
The purpose of this policy is to provide standards for selecting volunteers for Royal Family Kids Camp #313. Compassionate volunteers are essential to the success. Volunteers are trained not to proselytize or express moral judgment regarding campers or mentees. However, as an organization that is founded upon and operates consistent with biblical principles, RFK#313 upholds biblical standards regarding the personal conduct of each volunteer. As part of the volunteer recruitment process, leaders should evaluate all prospective volunteers based on the following elements: a submitted application, multiple references, a background check (dated within the last 3 years), an interview and mandatory training (as indicated in the national training manuals). If there is prior childhood abuse, the applicant should be evaluated to determine if the abuse has been addressed. If there is a criminal record, additional information will be obtained about the nature of the crime to determine the applicant’s eligibility. All volunteers should be screened comprehensively to determine whether they present an obstacle to the emotional and physical safety of campers and mentees. All of us are sinners saved by grace and rely on Christ’s abounding love and forgiveness. Those who cannot serve based on addiction, purity, or moral standards will be prayed for and gladly welcomed when they accept God’s Word as their standard of authority and have demonstrated a commitment to those standards in their lives. We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and it is the source and final authority for the principles upon which this organization is founded. The goal is for volunteers to model their faith to campers in a safe and caring environment while providing hope and a future to each youth, regardless of their background.
Position Statement Basic Tenants
We believe there is one eternal God who exists in three persons as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ, being both fully God and fully human, died on the cross as an atonement for our sin, and was resurrected so that we may be reconciled with God. We believe salvation comes by faith, repentance, and submission to Christ. We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.
Sexuality
We affirm that God’s intention for human sexual conduct as defined in scripture is a faithful, heterosexual union for married persons and committed celibate behavior for unmarried persons. God wonderfully and immutably creates and genders each person to match their male or female biology, and these distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God. 1 Cor 6:9-10
Sobriety
The Scriptures repeatedly warn against drunkenness and the consequences of drunkenness. This admonition applies to alcohol, illegal drugs or the mis-use of prescription medications. The liberty we have in Christ should be exercised with caution so that we avoid the desires of the flesh and pursue the fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. Given the epidemic of alcohol and drug abuse in our culture, we must be careful that our example edifies those around us and does not cause others to stumble in their faith. Gal 5:21
Statement regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for reviewing applications for volunteers and campers who present with same sex attraction, gender identity issues, etc. This policy is not intended to address chromosomal or hormonal disorders that result in incomplete development of the sexual organs. RFK #313 does not discriminate against volunteers or campers based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Camp staff and counselors are trained not to proselytize or express moral judgement.
The purpose of Royal Family Kids Camp #313 is to provide a safe place for emotional growth. Volunteers and campers are placed in groups corresponding to their biological sex to provide a safe place, physically and emotionally. This model has proven to be effective. This strategy is designed to minimize the adolescent focus on sex-based relationship, and instead focus on building a relationship based on trust, self-confidence and appropriate boundaries.
Volunteers and campers who are dealing with same sex attraction, gender identity issues, etc. will be treated with grace. Due to lack of facilities and staff available to accommodate the individual needs of the volunteer or camper they may not be able to attend camp. RFK Camps are designed to give boys and girls who have suffered neglect and abuse an opportunity to experience adventure, overcome challenges, engage in teamwork, and develop self-confidence. RFK #313 does not require volunteers and campers to abandon their view of themselves as a condition of attending camp. The goal of camp staff is to model their faith in a safe and caring environment.