Gaston County summer camp held specially for foster children WSOC TV

GASTONIA, N.C. Around 11,000 children are part of the foster care system in North Carolina. A Gaston County organization is gearing up to give some of them a summer camp experience they'll never forget.

GASTONIA, N.C. — Around 11,000 children are part of the foster care system in North Carolina.

A Gaston County organization is gearing up to give some of them a summer camp experience they'll never forget.

It's a summer camp called The Bridge Camp put on by Least of These Carolinas for kids who either are or have been in the foster care system.

“We like to think of this as Disney World of camps,” Least of These Carolinas co-founder Susanna Kavanaugh said.

The program started last year and preps are going on now for this summer's campers.

Kavanaugh said campers can play games and enjoy the outdoors, but also meet other foster kids.

“To be able to tell their stories, share their stories and hopefully gain some support from people who've been through what they're going through,” Kavanaugh said.

The overnight camp at Crowders Ridge Camp and Retreat Center is a new experience for many of the children.

Camp counselor Rachelle Sanders said many kids arrive with their walls up but those walls slowly come down.

“These children just want to be loved and told that they're loved and make friendships and have bonding experiences,” Sanders said.

That hits home for camp counselor Samuel Harris who was adopted from Russia.

It's his goal to bond with the kids and have some serious conversations with them.

“How's home life treating you? How are your friends treating you? Hopefully, it leads to spiritual conversations,” Harris said.

Hosting the camp isn't cheap, and the organization depends on community support.

But Kavanaugh said it's worth it to give these kids a chance to create positive memories and leave their worries behind even for just a few days.

“If we can make a difference in one kid's life, then we've done what we were called to do. We love doing it, and I wouldn't be anywhere else,” Kavanaugh said.

Bridge camp kicks off next Friday.

Least of These Carolinas said they’re still looking for volunteers.

For more information about the camp, click here.

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