Angel Tree Camp

Swimming on a hot day. Endless games. Arts & crafts. All you can eat food. Campfire sing-a-longs. Making new friends. Meeting Jesus.

We love reaching out to prisoners' children at Christmas, but one thing we know is that children need love and encouragement all year long. Camping is a great way to do just that!

Angel Tree Camp is more than hot dogs, activities, and campfires. It's a chance for a child to hear the life-changing message that Jesus loves them, not only once but every day in a variety of ways. They'll hear Bible stories and they will be surrounded by loving camp counselors. For most prisoners' children, summer camp is only a dream. With mom or dad in prison, these kids are at a higher risk for drug abuse, violence, and experiencing prison time as well. But it doesn't have to be that way. Camp is the perfect opportunity to help them break the cycle, by introducing them to Christ.

Our church is working with Calicinto Ranch, a Christian camp located in San Jacinto, CA, near Hemet. Last year, Calicinto Ranch hosted 400 campers who enjoyed a week of fun, building new friendships, and hearing about God's love for them. The experiences of camp are often "once in a lifetime" for a child. Kids who have attended in the past tell us they look forward to this one week all year long!

Summer camp is reserved for our little campers between the ages of 7-11 who have a parent in prison, or a parent that has recently been released from prison. Spring camp is a leadership camp designed for children ages 12-15. 80% of the children who attend either of these camps will ask the Lord to lead their life.

Camp is provided free of charge to the children, with our church raising the money to cover the cost (approximately $150 per child). Counselors (especially men!) are needed to work with the kids at the camp, and our goal is to have 1 counselor for 3 children. The counselors go for free and are simply there to hang out with the kids and love 'em up!

Here is what we need:

  • PRAYER! God will get our kids there if we ask. He will find counselors for the children, money to send them, and the transportation to get them there. Please pray for this to happen!
  • Financial Donations. Sponsor a child, or part of a child's camping costs.
  • Volunteers. Volunteers must be 21+ years old and are required to have a background check that costs approximately $40 (but remember, camp is free for you!).
  • Transportation. We are hoping to find a bus company or van rental company that may be able to give us a discounted rate.