Royal Family KIDS hosts gala on March 1 to support summer camp for foster children 

RACINE COUNTY, WI — The Racine chapter of Royal Family KIDS, a national organization supporting foster children, will hold a fundraising gala on March 1 to help fund its summer camp.

Since 2002, the Racine chapter has offered a five-day annual camp for children, ages 7 to 11, who have been displaced from their homes in Racine County. The camp is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Campers learn to rebuild trust in a supportive setting through games, songs, and group activities.

One foster child “sank into such a deep depression, he just withdrew from life, until he came home from camp,” said co-director Susan Toeller. “He just needed something other than immediate family pain and circumstances to help give him a boost back.”

The camp maintains a two-to-one camper-to-counselor ratio to ensure each child receives personalized attention and encouragement.

“Giving them good childhood memories,” Toeller said. “As they are playing, their guards are going down, and they are starting to rebuild trust. We do a lot through intentional play.” 

Racine’s Royal Family KIDS works closely with case managers and social workers from the Racine Human Services Department and the Racine Unified School District to bring foster kids to camp each year. 

Royal Family KIDS Gala

The Royal Family KIDS Gala for the Racine chapter takes place on Saturday, March 1, at Roma Lodge. 

A silent auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. Prizes include a Lake Geneva boat tour, Packers memorabilia, Kingfish tickets, and more. Dinner seating will start at 5:45 p.m.

Speakers include Scott and Lindsay Schmitz, who travel from Tennessee to volunteer at both the camp and its mentor club. Jessica Moreno from social services will discuss foster care experiences, and a video will offer a child’s perspective on life in the system.

Tickets are available online through Feb. 15 for $60. A table for eight costs $350.

“It’s just a connecting point over kids that have had a tough start in life and giving them a better start,” Toeller said. 

For more information about the Racine chapter of Royal Family KIDS camp, the gala, or volunteer opportunities, visit their website.