Transforming Trajectories for Youth in Foster Care
At King’s Team Camp, we are dedicated to changing the trajectory of young lives through our transformative summer camp experience. Our mission is to empower youth aged 13-16—who have faced severe abuse, neglect, and the challenges of foster care—to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.
Our Story
Founded with a passion for making a difference, King’s Team Camp was created to provide a safe, nurturing space for youth to experience adventure, healing, and connection.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
In December of 2002, five dedicated volunteers - Elise Espinosa, Trudy Hewitt, Arilla Woodburn, Timmie Schones & Gina Knochenmus - gathered to share a dream: to create a space where teens could feel seen, loved, and supported.
For years, they had poured their hearts into Royal Family Kids Camp—a faith-based camp dedicated to providing hope and healing to children in the foster care system. It was a place where kids ages 6-12 experienced the love of Christ, built confidence, and made cherished memories.
But as those children grew older, they began to age out of the program, leaving a gap for youth who still needed support, mentorship, and a place to belong. Recognizing this unmet need, the five founders felt a powerful conviction to continue to walk alongside these teens. That conviction became the foundation of a new camp: King's Team —a place where teens ages 13-16 could encounter adventure, connection and discover God’s love and purpose for their life. The first camp launched in the summer of 2003.
Since then, King's Team Camp has continued to grow and evolve, impacting the lives of countless teens and volunteers. We are incredibly grateful for the faithful leaders who have poured their time, energy, and hearts into making this camp what it is today.
In 2019, a leadership transition marked the beginning of a new chapter . Karl Fortney stepped in as director, bringing fresh vision and steady guidance as King's Team Camp entered its next season. Under Karl's leadership, a new team of passionate leaders emerged to carry the mission forward.
Among the many faithful volunteers who supported Royal Family Kids Camp and King’s Team’s mission were three individuals who became pillars of the camp’s ministry—Cara Polonsky, Amanda Merton, and Troy Stembel. Sharing the same heart for serving teens in foster care as the original five founders, they stepped into leadership after Karl’s tenure. In 2020, they accepted the responsibility and committed themselves to preserving the vision and continuing the impact of King’s Team Camp.
Under their leadership, King’s Team Camp continues to flourish—providing a place where teens are loved, encouraged, and equipped to live out their faith boldly. Camp provides a refuge where teens can navigate life’s challenges, ask tough questions, and build lifelong friendships. King’s Team Camp is filled with adventurous activities, honest conversations, and powerful moments of worship and reflection. Lives are transformed as campers and volunteers experience Christ’s love in a deep and personal way.
Today, King's Team Camp stands as a catalyst for change- offering young people who have experienced foster care a chance to rewrite their stories, discover their worth and find hope for the future. What began as a response to a need has become a place of hope, strength and purpose for the next generation; where their hearts are healed, and futures are transformed.
Our Mission & Vision
We believe that every young person deserves a chance to change the trajectory of their life. Our mission is to provide a week-long, overnight camp experience that offers:
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Empowerment Through Adventure: Engaging activities such as axe throwing, mountain climbing, rappelling, zip lining, horseback riding, and fishing.
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Safe, Supportive Connections: A community where youth can bond with peers who share similar experiences and are supported by mentors who reflect God’s unconditional love and care.
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Tools for Healing and a New Future: Opportunities to build confidence and resilience that pave the way for lasting, positive change.
Through this experience, we aim to help each young person discover their purpose, equipped with both the practical skills and spiritual foundation to pursue the life God has intended for them.
Volunteer-Driven and Self-Funded
King’s Team Camp is powered by dedicated volunteers whose passion fuels our mission.
Every year, these incredible individuals contribute their time, energy, and resources to make the camp accessible for all.
With minimal registration fees—only $50 per camper—we ensure that financial limitations never stand in the way of transforming lives.
The King’s Team Trajectory
Central to our work is the belief that with God’s guidance, every life can be transformed.
By providing a faith-filled, transformative environment and a supportive community, we help our campers break away from negative cycles and step confidently into a future filled with God’s promise and possibility.
Through His love and grace, we empower them to embrace new beginnings and trust in the plan He has for their lives.
Meet our Leadership Team
Cara Polonsky, Director
Camp Name: Roz
Born and raised in Boston, Cara grew up in a loving home with two amazing parents, family vacations, home-cooked meals, and the comfort of having her own bedroom. These privileges give her a deep appreciation for the importance of stability and belonging. She moved to CO in 2005, fell in love with the mountains and endless adventure. But beyond the beauty of the landscape, Colorado became the place where her faith deepened in profound ways. Her baptism at Chatfield State Park is a testament to her spiritual growth and commitment to living out her faith. Professionally, she is the owner of a financial literacy firm. Her passion for empowering others shines through her work, as she guides individuals and families toward financial confidence and success. Since 2017, she has devoted her time to volunteering with Royal Family Kids Camp (RFK). Through her love for the kids at this camp, she grew a passion for continuing to serve them beyond their time at RFK and this is how King’s Team came to life. King’s Team is one of the most rewarding weeks of her year. Having grown up with the security of a loving family, she recognizes the stark contrast in the experiences of many teens in foster care. Some have never known the comfort or stability of a safe home, a warm meal, or a space to call their own. Her commitment to these teens is driven by the belief that even just one week of camp can change the trajectory of their lives. Providing a sense of security, joy, and unconditional love, she helps create moments of healing and hope. Walking alongside these resilient young people, reminding them of their worth, and witnessing their strength is a privilege she holds close to her heart. At camp, you will find her “...watching you. Always watching!” (go ahead, say it out loud with Roz’s voice from Monsters Inc) and ensuring you don't forget your paperwork!
Amanda Merton, Director
Camp Name: Wilderness Barbie
As a proud mom of two amazing teens, a lover of fashion and a good cup of coffee, Amanda is someone who has walked through personal hardships and found healing on the other side. Her heart is anchored in her faith, and she is passionate about extending God’s love and grace to others. Ten years ago, her journey of supporting children in the foster care system began when she started volunteering with Royal Family Kids Camp. The bonds she formed with those incredible kids changed her life forever. When she saw the need for ongoing support as they transitioned into their teenage years, she knew she couldn’t simply say goodbye. That realization led her to advocate for a camp specifically designed for teens — a space where they could continue to experience love, acceptance, and belonging. This is how King’s Team was born. Teens in foster care often carry the weight of trauma and the burden of believing false narratives about themselves. Amanda’s mission is to speak life and worthiness into their hearts, offering the kind of unconditional love that has the power to transform. Every shared moment, laughter, and tear is a reminder of the resilience and strength these teens possess. Being part of their story, even if just for a chapter, is one of the greatest blessings of her life. At camp, Amanda will ensure every teen and volunteer is well taken care of. She is known for her apocalypse bin that holds everything you could possibly need if the world were to end. She brings laughter and an abundance of joy to every interaction.
Troy Strembel, Director
Camp Name: Shark Bait
As a proud father, and dedicated first responder, Troy has a deep passion for serving others. Since 2016, Royal Family Kids and King’s Team Camps have been a significant part of his life. Over the years, he has taken on roles as a big camper, mentor, and camp director, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to youth in foster care. Outside of King’s Team, he works in the public sector, directly engaging with children and teens from ages 5 to 18. His commitment to being a positive influence stems from a heartfelt belief in the power of mentorship and the importance of showing up for the young people God places in his path. For him, the greatest blessing is being part of a child’s life, offering encouragement, and making a lasting impact — even if he never fully knows the extent of that influence. His dedication is a reflection of his faith, living out the words of Matthew 18:15: "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." At camp, you can find Troy organizing activities, ensuring we are all staying on schedule, and filling the days with adventure.
Kala Slater,
Care & Support Manager
Camp Name: Vanelope VonSchweetz
As a proud Colorado native, Kala loves the mountains and quality time outdoors. With nearly 20 years of experience working with kids who have come from hard places, she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Currently, Kala serves as a Child Welfare Supervisor overseeing programs aimed at preventing system involvement, fostering community engagement, and ensuring high-quality casework practices through quality assurance and compliance initiatives. Kala shares a beautiful blended family with her fiance, along with three kids and a beloved dog. Her heart for foster care and adoption began in high school after a life-changing mission trip overseas where she helped open a home for children without families. This experience fueled her lifelong commitment to helping children find love, connection, and healing. King’s Team Camp combines her love of the mountains with her passion for kids and gives her the opportunity to pour into others and remind them they are worthy. At camp, Kala plays a crucial role in supporting campers, volunteers, and leaders by providing guidance and tools to ensure everyone feels safe, supported and cared for throughout this experience.
Natalie Coronado,
Care & Support Manager
Camp Name: Mrs. Incredible/Helen
Natalie is a devoted wife, proud mom of four, and a passionate follower of Jesus. Married to her high school sweetheart, she cherishes family and the beautiful journey they’ve built together. Having been adopted from foster care herself, Natalie’s personal experiences have shaped her deep commitment to supporting children and families. Her career has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. With over 20 years experience as a caseworker and adoption recruiter, she worked tirelessly to find loving, permanent homes for children in foster care. Recently, she took a courageous step to pursue her dream of opening her own private therapy practice, where she continues her mission of guiding others toward healing and growth. Natalie was introduced to King’s Team after serving many years as a Camp Buddy at Royal Family Kids Camp, where she continues to serve today. At King’s Team, she is inspired by the courage and resilience of the teens who arrive at camp, often carrying the weight of past challenges. Witnessing their transformation — as they face fears, discover their inner strength, and deepen their faith — is a true blessing. Natalie is passionate about creating a warm and supportive space where teens feel safe to be themselves. Her role as a mentor and encourager allows her to walk alongside these remarkable young people, fostering connection and celebrating their growth. She is also deeply grateful for the dedicated volunteers who make each camp experience so meaningful. For Natalie, being part of the Kings Team is not just a role — it’s a calling. With a heart full of love and compassion, she is honored to stand alongside teens on their journey of self-discovery and renewal. At camp, Natalie unwavering love for Jesus serves as a beacon of light at camp. Her role is not only to create a warm and supportive space but also to reflect God’s love and grace in all she does.