PRISON FELLOWSHIP BLOG:

What’s the Prison Fellowship Academy all about? Part 1 of this new blog series highlights integrity, one of the six core values of the Academy. The Academy allows participants to embrace a Gospel-centered worldview and take ownership of their transformation—even in prison, where positive change might otherwise seem impossible.

After Shay’s first year at camp, she couldn’t wait to tell her mom the stories of fun and fellowship. The best part wasn’t horseback riding or laser tag—it was meeting people who shared her challenges and reminded her she wasn’t alone.

Prison Fellowship’s Emily Andrews accompanied her church’s Angel Tree team to deliver gifts around Northern Virginia. This story captures the memory of what they gave—and what they unexpectedly received—on their journey to offer joy on strangers’ doorsteps.

Vaughan was in junior high when he discovered a family secret that would change his life. Vaughan faced an uncertain future, but Angel Tree Camping stepped in on time. He experienced God’s love in the great outdoors—and found a path to a bright, hopeful future.

Ruby Payne couldn’t have expected what happened two days before last December’s Angel Tree® event. But together, they rose above the challenges to share hope and grace.

Right now, thousands of youth across America are packing their bags for childhood’s most basic rite of summer—a week away at camp. What is Angel Tree Camping®, and how is it helping at-risk children embrace hope-filled futures?

What’s the impact of one week away at summer camp? Just ask Nina. She shares how Angel Tree Camping molded her from a timid young girl into the strong leader she is today.

When her grown daughter went to prison, Karen accepted the dual role of Mom and Grandma to take care of two little ones. It was the most difficult thing she’s ever done—and she would do it all over again if she had to. But what did it take to survive the challenges?

'I fell in love with [volunteering] right away, because there were people in there who needed me. A chance to make a difference—that's what I've been praying for my whole life.'

Tammy Franklin has come full circle. A former prisoner, she is now a Prison Fellowship Academy manager at the same facility in which she was incarcerated.