Camp Crucis is a “nice” camp. It does not have horses, boats, or zip lines. It has crafts, a swimming pool, healthy food, solid clean facilities, and air conditioning. It also has an unlimited supply of the love of Jesus.
It was hot and dry in Granbury, Texas—just south of Fort Worth. As we exited our vehicles we were greeted by a hot breeze and the delightful laughter of children swimming in the pool. This was Camp Crucis, and the campers were Angel Tree children—kids of parents who are incarcerated.
There are 1.8 million children in the United States who have at least one parent who is incarcerated. Caring for these children are foster families, relatives, or single parents (either functionally or literally). These individuals, along with the children, are also victims of crime.
Each year at Christmas, Angel Tree—with the vital help of local churches—reaches out to children and their families with a gift and the Good News of Jesus. Now, Angel Tree camping and mentoring are becoming more and more available to minister to these children and families throughout the year.
I was able to visit with 40 children at Camp Crucis. I was also able to witness the love extended to these kids by passionate volunteers who have been serving at risk and neglected children for 11 years.
Camp Crucis is a “nice” camp. It does not have horses, boats, or zip lines. It has crafts, a swimming pool, healthy food, solid clean facilities, and air conditioning. It also has an unlimited supply of the love of Jesus.
The counselors say that many of the children come to camp with self-protective, emotional barriers and that it often takes two days for them to realize that they are emotionally and spiritually safe here. Some kids even hoard food on Monday and Tuesday until they realize that they will receive three meals and three snacks every day. For some, this is the best they will eat all year.
The children are loved here. They have counselors trained to care for them and help them handle anger, fear, and sadness. At Angel Tree camp, they hear about and see and experience the love of Jesus. Many decide to follow Jesus for the first time here.
Sadly, the counselors also told me that on Friday morning many of the children start putting the barriers back up because they are leaving this safe environment for a less safe home life.
As one young girl entered the cabin in which she would be staying, she stopped at the door and looked around. She saw the off-white walls, the bunk beds, the washroom, and the curtains. She felt the effects of the air conditioning. “This is the nicest place I have ever stayed,” she told her counselor. She laid down of her bunk and smiled. She felt safe. She felt the love of Jesus.
If you are supporting Angel Tree—way to go! You are providing an entry point for the love of Jesus to enter. If you church is an Angel Tree church, please hug your pastor and say, “Thank you!” Every one of those laughing, swimming, smiling children would thank you and hug you and your pastor if they could.
Thanks for giving a little girl a week in the nicest place she has ever stayed.