Royal Family Kids Camp North County recently concluded an extraordinary week of hope, healing, and joy for children in foster care throughout our community. What made this week so special was not only the smiles on the children’s faces, but the incredible collaboration between local businesses, churches, first responders, service organizations, and volunteers who came together to make it all possible.

This remarkable partnership began through the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, where Deena Pangborn and Anne Little helped connect community leaders, businesses, and volunteers with the mission of Royal Family Kids Camp. Their commitment to building relationships within our community helped inspire countless acts of generosity that created life-changing experiences for our campers.

One of the week’s most memorable moments was First Responder Day. The California Highway Patrol amazed the children with a helicopter landing, while the Atascadero Police Department, Hunter Liggett Military Base, and CAL FIRE firefighters spent time with the campers, building positive relationships and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Throughout the week, campers enjoyed swimming, outdoor adventures, crafts, games, music, horseback experiences, and opportunities to laugh, learn, and simply be kids. Every activity was intentionally designed to remind each child that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.

The week concluded with a magical birthday celebration, where every child was honored. Eric and Julie Union of ABC Church, together with an incredible team of volunteers, transformed camp into a festive birthday carnival complete with games, decorations, cake, gifts, and unforgettable surprises. For many of our campers, it was the first birthday celebration they had ever experienced.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of more than 100 volunteers and the unwavering support of our North County community. Together, we are proving that when a community unites around its most vulnerable children, hope grows, healing begins, and lives are forever changed. We are deeply grateful to every individual, business, church, and organization that invested in these children and helped make this unforgettable week possible.

With gratitude,

Co-Directors
Diane Cassidy
Carla Emanuelson
Tiffany Riojas