Adeleine Berner

Friends Helping Kids, Inc. was formed as a 501(c)(3) non profit organization comprised completely of volunteers and run solely through generous private and in-kind donations.

The mission is to provide a traditional, overnight summer camp (Krewe de Camp) experience to children with developmental disabilities while also giving their parents and caretakers a much-needed rest.

We operate the one-week-long camp without charging the campers or their caretakers any fees so that the experience is available to all families regardless of financial need. Our campers get to experience an array of activities including swimming, outdoor games, guest presenters, arts and crafts, concerts, a dance, and a fair. Camp is also an opportunity to socialize among peers and relax in a fun nurturing atmosphere.

In addition to our camp, we hold several events throughout the year to grow the FHK family and keep in touch with our current campers and graduates of our program.

Camp Abbey, sponsored by the CYO/Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, brings together some of the best traditions of the former Benedictine/Knights of Columbus-sponsored summer camp and new enhancements to the activities and Catholic spirituality of the program.

Summer camp will require a dedicated staff of administrators, senior counselors, junior counselors, religious, and priests to help achieve these goals. Staff members must have high moral character, live out Christian values, and serve as positive role models for young people.

The program goals are:

• To provide an environment where young people can deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and their practice of the Catholic faith
• To provide a fun, safe, and structured environment where young people can enjoy recreational and related activities, especially in the natural outdoors
• To provide an opportunity for young people to develop their God-given potential through camp activities, the mentoring of camp counselors, and their own initiative
• To provide an experience of a living Christian community