I was introduced to Royal Family KIDS through the clara Share the Merry giving campaign a few years ago. One of the daunting tasks of choosing where our profits are donated to from clara, is looking through the many applications from non-profits in the Colorado Springs area and deciding where to place my votes. At clara, we focus on organizations that make an impact on the needs of women and children - it is our hope to be a "light unto the world", as the name "Clara" means just that.

When I first learned about Royal Family KIDS and their mission to introduce children that are or have been in the foster system, to a week with safe adults committed to creating a loving, safe environment. They do this through a week at summer camp and through a monthly mentoring club throughout the school year, I was intrigued.

Growing up in Colorado, I experienced summer camps in some of the most beautiful mountains that exist (I know, I am biased!). Summer camps introduced me to incredible adults that loved to share their knowledge and have fun alongside kids. From learning how to safely use a pocket knife, building a campfire, night hikes to see the stars, rappelling down a rock wall, and playing and working with kids I just met, these memories and skills continue to shape who I am many years later. The impact on a child when an adult opens their world in this new and fun way imprints on a child for a lifetime. 

Giving a child that has experienced trauma, many times at the hands of the people that they should be able to trust the most, this camp experience I loved as a kid became personal for me. I wanted to be a part of this team of volunteers at Royal Family KIDS, people that share this desire to allow a child to be a child in the safe, nurturing confines of summer camp. This chance to help expose these children to the idea that they are worthy of love, worthy of being treated royally. That their lives matter.

I am blessed to work at Vanguard Skin Specialists for many reasons. One of which is that I am also surrounding by people at work that are motivated to do more for others. One of the ways we can express this is by being a part of committees where we can help choose where our donations are directed. Without this, I wouldn't have been introduced to Royal Family KIDS, which has become one of the highlights of my year - volunteering at the summer camp!

This year, Dr. Vinh Chung, co-founder of Vanguard Skin Specialists, will be the keynote speaker at the annual fundraising dinner for Royal Family KIDS on February 20th. Consider this a personal invitation from me to you to learn more about Royal Family KIDS by visiting their website. I would also love to have you join my table at this upcoming free dinner and experience this talk by Dr. Chung. You can sign up at this link. 

Lisa has been a part of Vanguard Skin Specialists for six years. She has served as volunteer at the Royal Family KIDS week-long camp two times and volunteered at the Mentoring Club for two years. She is always happy to share more about her experiences with Royal Family KIDS. Lisa can be reached at lboness@vanguardskin.com.