A Christian camping experience for at risk children (ages 8-12) with incarcerated parents. The aim of this camp is to broaden horizons and help break the cycle destroying families by giving these children an opportunity of experiencing a loving and fun-filled week.
New Horizons Camp - Breaking the Cycle
DaySpring Conference Center
Sunday, July 20 - Friday, July 25, 2008
A Christian camping experience for at risk children (ages 8-12) with incarcerated parents. The second camp will take place at DaySpring Conference Center, July 20 - 25, 2008. The aim of the camp is to broaden these children's horizons by giving them an opportunity of experiencing a loving and fun-filled week with daytime/evening activities, music, arts and crafts, quiet time and worship.
Consider the following facts:
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Children with incarcerated parents are the smallest victims of crime. They are not documented; they are invisible and no government entity is responsible for them.
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They are more likely to abuse substances and engage in antisocial behaviors.
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They are more likely to drop out of school, run away and become homeless.
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They are more likely to suffer from a negative self-image: fear, anxiety, resentment and sadness.
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They are more likely to have high levels of truancy, physical aggression and disruptive behavior, and the odds are high that they too will commit crimes.
U.S. Senate report (106-404) estimated that 70% of children with incarcerated parents will end up in prison too. Most states have no procedure to identify and coordinate what happens to them. Often no on asks arrestees or prisoners if they have minor children. Even is asked, they often distrust government authorities and may withhold information because they are afraid they might lose their parental rights and not know what will happen to their children.
Hoping to break that destructive cycle, more than a score of dioceses are already running or creating camps for these children. This all began in 1995 in the Diocese of Rio Grande at Camp Stoney near Sante Fe, NM. Camp Grace provided free of charge a week of Christian camping in an effort to broaden the children’s horizons. Campers experienced and learned the benefits of group support, cooperation and self-discovery in a loving, grace-filled environment. They learned options to violent behavior and survival mentality.
The Diocese of SW Florida is asking it's parishes to help support these children by way of:
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Scholarship donations - The cost for a child, staffer or counselor at a week-long "Kamp for Kids" camp is $360.00.
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Donation of supplies - Beach towels, closed-toed water shoes, travel size toiletries, packages of new socks and underwear, and art and craft supplies.
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Camp Staff Volunteers - Experienced volunteers who wish to work the camp will be provided with free room and board.
For more information, download New Horizons Camp flyer.
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