Fostering Bulloch raising money to expand its 7th Mile Farm

Fostering Bulloch is currently raising money to expand its 7th Mile Farm for the purpose of serving more foster care children for its Summer 2024 camps.

Fostering Bulloch has developed the 7th Mile Farm (an outdoor recreational facility) to serve children in foster care and at-risk youth. This summer, they were able to make a difference in 82 foster kids' lives during their three summer camps.

Chris Yaughn, Director at Fostering Bulloch, has dedicated his life to making sure that foster kids get the “ROCKSTAR” camp experience, while maintaining to never turn away foster kids due to lack of capacity.

However, after hosting 6 camps over the last 2 years, it has become evident to the organization that they must expand to serve more children.

"When my volunteers are standing up and saying that we need to help more children, and when we see meaningful long-term relationships continuing outside the scope of our summer camps, it becomes clear that we must look into expanding our capacity to serve more children," Yaughn said. "Our most recent camps served 82 kids from all over the state. Our farthest kid came from 162 miles away to come to camp with us. We ran at full capacity for all three summer camps and have seen many of our camp volunteers become foster parents. So, our summer camps continue to have an incredible and far-reaching impact on all people involved."

Camp7 and Royal Family KIDS summer camps cater specifically to children in the foster care system.

Camps are overnight camps which are focused on allowing campers to experience lifetime adventures and participate in several activities with the intent of building meaningful core memories. Both camps are funded solely through private donations and are at zero cost to the attending children.

Plans have been drawn to expand and complete the 7th Mile Farm to its fullest capability. This plan includes 2 additional cabins, a 6000 sq ft activities center, and a caretakers lodge.

Fostering Bulloch's current goal is to raise $300,000 and to see the farm completed by Summer 2024 so more foster kids can be served.

While the goal is ambitious, Fostering Bulloch supporters and volunteers know how worthy it is.

"After hearing Chris's mission to expand the 7th Mile Farm capacity, I knew that I had to get involved with helping raise the money," said Tracy Mallary, friend/volunteer/supporter at Fostering Bulloch. "In fact, I immediately expressed to Chris that 'we have to raise the money to finish this project' because I know how many lives have been touched by Fostering Bulloch's summer camps. I implore anyone who has ever been blessed by one of these summer camps, or by the Fostering Bulloch organization, to consider donating to this incredible project."

Check out some touching stories from this year's camps below.

fostering-bulloch-7th-mile-2 — Fostering Bulloch hosts its Camp7 and Royal Family KIDS summer camps each year.

Camp 7 and Royal Family KIDS camp Testimonials

"He had his first week of school this week...and the class was asked to bring something special that they wanted to show to the class. He ran into his room telling me he knew exactly what he wanted to bring. I'll be honest I thought he was grabbing a hot wheel car or a mini football because those are some of his favorite things. But I was very wrong. He came running out of his room with a picture of him and his 'cousin' Will. [Volunteers are called 'cousins' at the Royal Family Camp.] What an incredible impact your volunteers have made. This camp is truly life changing and we are SO thankful for everyone who participated in anyway with RFK."

-Excerpt from the Camp Story "One of Our Why's"

"Another night camper, M, released her candle onto the lake. M was a month or so past a failed adoption. Sweet kid, wrestling with who knows what demons regarding self-worth and self-esteem. After watching her prayer and her candle float off into the lake, she stands up and says 'I feel so relieved.' After camp, M would reach back out to us. Her counselor from camp is now visiting with her regularly. Planting seeds of hope and letting her know that she is important and valued."

-Excerpt from the Camp Story "Raggedy Old Boat"