KCBS-TV in Los Angeles recently ran a feature story about Calicinto Ranch, a camp in southern California that caters to children of prisoners. Calicinto Ranch is a partner camp in the Angel Tree Camping program.
The video segment features interviews with six different campers of varying ages – each of whom currently has a parent behind bars. The campers speak candidly of the impact has had upon them, and their desire to avoid the paths of their parents.
“I used to think that I would grow up and be in prison . . . that’s what I’m destined to do,” says 17 year-old Isaias. “I thought it was normal. . . . Now I see that you can overcome it.”
Isaias’ sister, 14 year-old Viviana, says the camp taught her the importance of breaking the cycle of incarceration. “You’re your own leader. You’re going to find your path. You’re going to make your path. Good or bad – you decide.”
12 year-old Sole’s father is currently in a halfway house. “When I start forgiving my mom and dad,” she says, “it’s probably when they start showing they really do care and they’re trying really hard not to go back in, but to just stay out and reconect the family.”
The full video is available here. To find out how you can help children of prisoners attend an Angel Tree camp this summer, click here.