NORMAN — For just one week, Mary Lancaster has to steer clear of lap sits and bear hugs with her two sons.

As a counselor at the Royal Family Kids’ Camp, a yearly camp for children ages 7 to 11 in the custody of the Department of Human Services, Lancaster must follow the restrictions put in place to protect the children at camp. Even though at home everyone loves on each other, at camp her two adopted sons are treated like all the other campers.

“That part of camp is very difficult for me,” Lancaster said.

Lancaster, a member of CrossPointe Church, the host facility of the Norman Royal Family Kids’ Camp, first served as a counselor in 2006, where she was dean of women.

“After camp, my husband and I talked about becoming foster parents,” Lancaster said. It was in February 2007 when DHS contacted the Lancasters about taking in a set of brothers. When they went to pick up their new wards, Lancaster was shocked to see that she recognized the children; they had been campers with her the year before.

She adopted Gabe and Pat in October 2008. Both boys are returning to camp this year, from Monday to Aug. 6. When Lancaster says they’re excited about camp, it’s an understatement.

“They get treated like royalty,” Lancaster said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Gabe said his favorite part of camp is singing. For Pat, it’s the food. Steak fingers, cereals, muffins, corn dogs, grilled cheese — all these kid favorites make camp complete for Pat.

Rick Roberts, camp director, said the week at camp also features fishing, canoeing, bead-making, woodworking, tea parties and a great big birthday party.

The chance to form connections with counselors and camp family members such as the camp “grandma and grandpa” is important for the children as well, especially since many lose family members when they are taken out of the home, Roberts said.

Children at camp also meet and learn about the jobs of firefighters, police officers, the National Guard and the sheriff, often getting to climb in helicopters and fire trucks.

“These kids were pulled out of their home by a uniform, so they view it as a negative,” Roberts said, noting that when the children are able to meet these service members at camp, their view is often changed.

Mail and memory books are also part of the camp experience. Throughout the week, counselors write encouraging notes to campers. Lancaster said she was surprised at what a huge part of the experience the mail became. The counselors even had to enforce a limit on how often the children could check their mailboxes, they were spending so much time reading mail.

Throughout the week, photographers take “safe pictures” of the children at camp, which means that they are in the photo by themselves or with counselors. There is a committee assigned just to create memory books for each child to take home. Roberts said about 8,000 photos are printed each year for the books.

Because many of the children are taken from the home with very few belongings, the camp sponsors provide everything the children need for the week, including sheets, blankets, flashlights and other items.

Camp costs about $60 per child for the week, all of which is covered by the sponsors and raised through donations. Roberts said the budget for camp this year is $40,000.

To raise money for camp, the Norman Royal Family Kids’ Camp holds several fundraisers throughout the year. Send A Kid To Camp Day took place earlier this month. For this fundraiser, many local businesses donate proceeds from the day to Royal Family. There is also a Walk for Kids held in May. Going on right now is a letter writing campaign where camp counselors send letters to family and friends asking for support for campers.

Anyone who would like to help with donations is asked to send money to Royal Family Kids’ Camp c/o CrossPointe Church, 2601 24th Ave. SE, Norman, OK, 73071.

Although camp is only a week, Royal Family stays involved with DHS throughout the year, assisting as needed. Sometimes it’s purchasing car seats. Other times, it’s providing support for school trips.

“The money we raise in the fundraising period will carry us through next year,” Roberts said.

He noted that many counselors enjoy the chance to continue helping DHS, especially since, after camp, all contact between campers and counselors and campers and other campers ceases. No cell phone numbers or addresses are exchanged at camp. It can be hard on counselors who want to continue helping, Roberts said.

Roberts said when the camp first started, five years ago, there were church members who were doubtful that a week of camp could really have an impact on a child. Since then, the experiences have proved that it can make a difference.

“It’s only a moment that can change a kid’s life,” Roberts said.

For more information on the camp or how to get involved, contact Roberts at rickrobertsok@gmail.com.

Aaron Wright Gray 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com