“We want that family feel. … I think [these kids] pick up on that. The family extension just flows through, and I hope they do feel it. I want them to feel it. The church is a family, and it’s supposed to be broader than our own personal biological family.”
—Brian, camp director
Brian started Oakridge Christian Camp to be closer to his family. Now, he invites prisoners' children into that family.
In 2021, Brian received a call from a member of the Angel Tree® camping team, who invited Oakridge to become a ministry partner. Angel Tree camping allows children with an incarcerated parent to attend camp on scholarship. Camp is a place where children can get away, meet new friends, and learn about God. For many, it can be a life-changing experience. When Brian and his family heard this, they were immediately interested—they loved the idea of serving children who might not otherwise have a chance to experience camp life.
Now they know that the life-changing experience isn’t just for the children. Many of the counselors who experience Angel Tree come away changed themselves.
Before we know it, summer will be here! You can make a difference in the life of a child with your gift. For prisoners’ children, camp is a safe place to experience the great outdoors, make new friends, and just be kids! But most importantly, camp is where they can hear the Gospel and learn about our Lord and Savior. When you give today, you’ll make it possible for a child with a parent in prison to experience camp.
After a long year of hard work, the women in class 35 of the Academy at Shakopee celebrated their accomplishments—with a little bit of whimsy. Step into a graduation behind bars.
