In 1985, Pastor Wayne Tesch saw a need to provide hope to local foster children in Costa Mesa, California. The result — a week-long summer camp was held in the mountains. The goal — to create moments that matter for 37 foster children ages 6-12.
From 1990 to 2008, the organization steadily grew, serving more and more children each year and equipping more leaders from churches around the world to be able to serve children in foster care. Royal Family KIDS was well on its way to realize that its ultimate mission — to serve every foster child, ages 6-12 — could be possible.
In 2008, Royal Family KIDS expanded to include a school year mentoring program. Together with camps, mentoring allows children to experience life-changing moments year-round.
As of November 2020, Royal Family KIDS officially became For The Children. This change acknowledges the broad reach of many of our chapters in advocacy, awareness, fostering and adoption, volunteer engagement and more. In nearly every U.S. state and in locations across the globe, For The Children chapters discover these opportunities as they implement Royal Family KIDS Camp and Mentoring models.
