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Camp for Prisoners' Kids
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Summer and camp go together for many kids. But for some, the change of scenery can be stark; from tense streets to tents and trees. One program invites children with parents in prison to get away, and get together, for support. Kim Riemland reports. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Laurel Highlands, PA)(Boy prepares to ride zip line) “You trust me to catch you?”
HOPE Camp counselor Ocie Paige is trying to teach his younger brother Michael about trust, a challenge for both of them.
(Ocie to Michael on zipline) “You can do it.”
At 19, Ocie credits this summer camp with his transformation from troubled kid to successful college student.
Ocie Paige, HOPE Camp Counselor: “I took a very big turn from where I was to now. I was in a gang at the age of six so that’s why I didn’t care about nobody.”
(Ocie at zip line) “Permission granted.”
Ocie never met his father; his mother abandoned him at age three. She has been in and out of prison ever since. The boys live with their grandparents in a crime-ridden area of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
Michael Smith, HOPE Camper: “When I’m at camp, I feel a lot more safer. At home I gotta worry about gangs. Even if somebody accidentally kills another person, they’d be like, an eye for an eye.”
(Girl runs, grabs, misses swing, screams and laughs)
HOPE stands for Helping Overcome Problems Everyday.
For 13 years, this United Methodist camp in rural Pennsylvania, has been serving teens and children with parents in prison and others considered at-risk.
Ree Enlow, Director of Guest Services, Jumonville: “It’s just the saddest of the saddest stories and how can you say that you can’t find a place for them at camp?”
(Counselor instructs about climbing wall) “Put your left leg on that orange block.”
Cousins Juanita Harris and Ayzia Winfrey say they find peace and safety here.
Ayzia Winfrey & Juanita Harris, HOPE Campers: “Where I grow up, the challenges are there are a lot of kidnappings and stuff and it makes you kinda scared. There’s people up the street where they would be shooting everywhere and it’s hard for you to, like, sleep. “
(Counselor talking with kids) “Don’t ever feel like because life isn’t the best right now, that’s how it’s always going to be.”
The counselors guide the campers through obstacles here and the ones they’ll face at home by staying in touch throughout the year.
Ocie Paige: “Camp has changed me in so many ways. Why not try and help and make that same difference in many other people’s lives instead of just trying to live for myself.”
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United Methodists raise 60,000 dollars each year for scholarships to HOPE camp. The program runs seven separate one-week sessions each summer with about 20 children per session.
If you’re interested in donating, you can visit the Jumonville Web site and click on “Support” and designate your gift to HOPE Camp. The camp also accepts supplies such as clothing and basic necessities. For information, call 1-800-463-7688.
Also, see: Summer camp transforms at-risk children
Posted: July
22, 2009