RFK Part-Time Volunteer
Expectations & Limitations
🌟 Welcome, Part‑Time Volunteers!
Thank you for choosing to serve with Royal Family KIDS. Your willingness to give your time and heart makes a real difference for foster children right here in our community.
Our full‑time volunteers complete extensive training and background checks to ensure the highest level of safety and care for our campers. As a part‑time volunteer, your role is incredibly valuable, and there are a few important guidelines to help you serve safely and effectively.
Our mission is simple: create a safe, joyful, life‑changing week for every child. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Understanding Our Campers
Most of our campers come from foster homes and have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Their stories are not typical, and sometimes their behaviors won’t be either.
2. Expect a Wide Range of Emotions
Campers may be anxious, scared, timid, aggressive, outspoken, or use inappropriate language. Some may act out in ways you wouldn’t expect. This is normal for children who have endured trauma.
3. Lead With Patience and Joy
Be extra patient. Be kind. Smile often. Expect them to have a great week—and help make it happen. They want to have fun, so be fun. Treat them like royalty.
4. Use Encouraging Words
Speak hope, affirmation, and positivity. Never talk down to a child. Avoid sarcasm entirely. If you see or hear something related to past abuse, stay calm and do not overreact.
5. Be Mindful With Physical Contact
Some campers avoid touch because of their trauma. Others may seek excessive physical affection for the same reason. Only offer side hugs, and only after asking permission.
6. Ask Questions When You’re Unsure
If you don’t understand a camper’s behavior or your role in a situation, ask another trained adult. You’re never expected to figure things out alone.
7. Protect Personal Boundaries
Do not share personal information—your name, address, phone number, email, social media, etc. Do not make promises of any kind.
8. Follow the “Two‑Deep” Safety Rule
There must always be at least two trained adults with a child or group of children. As a part‑time volunteer, you cannot serve as one of the two required adults. You may help in groups and open areas, but never in secluded spaces or situations with only one other adult present.
9. Image Consent
By applying to volunteer with RFK, you consent to your image being used for Royal Family KIDS purposes, including promotional materials.