By Rev. Kim Crecca, Director of Camp Genesis
Have you ever thought about the impact of incarceration of a parent on the children they leave behind; children who are often in the most formative years of their lives? I never gave this situation a thought until I became the child of an incarcerated parent. Although I was an adult when my father was sentenced to 15 years in a Texas prison, that didn’t make it easier to live with the stigma, pain, and fear that threatened my emotional stability.
I wondered how having a loved one in prison affects young children. How do they cope? Do they know about God’s mercy and faithfulness and do they wonder why it doesn’t seem to apply to them? It took me years to act on the calling I received to do something for these kids who are carrying such a heavy burden. That’s how the Camp Genesis ministry was born.
Our first camp was held in 2018 and we’ve figured out what works! With your help and assistance from other churches in our diocese, we can provide a week of camp (free of charge) that offers a safe, fun, and respectful place for children, ages 8-17, with an immediate family member who is or has been in prison. We offer programming that empowers, encourages, and supports them as they confront the guilt, shame, fear, and sorrow that threaten to consume their childhood and destroy their sense of self-worth. We try our best to embody God’s mercy and love by focusing on what love is and developing attitudes of thankfulness.
Did you know that Arizona is home to over 200,000 children who have an incarcerated parent? That’s 10% of the total for the entire US! We need to reach more of these kids who are affected by incarceration. Do we need more funds, absolutely! But we also need YOU! What can you personally and congregationally do to help our efforts?
- Sign up your church to participate in the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program that provides Christmas gifts to children on behalf of their parent in prison. This is one way we reach new kids and invite them to Camp Genesis.
- You can volunteer for all or part of the week of Camp (usually held in June or early July). We especially need recent high school graduates to serve as Camp Counselors in the cabins with the kids. We also need photography buffs, artists, musicians, as well as chaplains on site. And I am in particular need of an energetic Assistant Camp Director!
- You can provide handmade items to share with the campers. Quilters at St. Raphael’s in Benson make beautiful lap quilts; Willowbrook United Methodist Church makes pillowcases featuring encouraging words; one of our deacons in training makes journals; all of these items and more are happily received.
- We’re always looking for donations for the backpack supplies we give to the campers. Perhaps your church can adopt an item to provide each year.
- You can send cards of encouragement to our recent campers either monthly or once a year, whatever works for your time and budget.
- And, you can pray for these kids. We have a Camper Heart (Prayer) Program that encourages you to “adopt” a recent camper and commit to pray for them every day until the next Camp Genesis.
There are many ways that you can support these campers and Camp Genesis. Individuals will be available at our exhibit booth at the Diocesan Convention to talk with you about the opportunities. All of these actions let the kids know they are loved and accepted. Hopefully, Camp Genesis helps them heal as well.
