Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents Through Faith and Perseverance

The 24-foot trailer sat ready, filled with sleeping bags, towels, backpacks, and other essentials for a special four-day summer camp. This camp, free for children of incarcerated parents, was an initiative by Camp Agape California. Late last month, however, an unexpected event occurred: the trailer was stolen from its parking space in Anaheim, where a volunteer had stored it.

Elizabeth Vallejo, who co-founded the organization with her husband, described Camp Agape California as a faith-based mission. Its purpose is to offer support to families affected by imprisonment, creating an environment for children to heal, practice forgiveness, and build positive lives. Vallejo hopes this camp can reduce the chances of these children falling into the criminal justice system cycle.

Research indicates that children with incarcerated parents often face increased risks. They may develop mental health concerns, antisocial behaviors, encounter substance abuse problems, and are more likely to become involved with the criminal justice system themselves. The camp, held each September in the San Bernardino Mountains, seeks to address these risks.

The theft of the trailer caused emotional turmoil within the camp community. Vallejo said she experienced the five stages of grief, starting with shock and moving to anger. She felt the incident touched deeper losses she had faced in her life, recalling hardships like her family’s experience when her sister passed away, leaving children behind with an imprisoned father.

Vallejo launched Camp Agape California in 2017 under trying circumstances. That year, her daughter faced a cancer diagnosis, and her mother passed away. Despite these challenges, she found solace in the camp’s mission, hoping to create a supportive environment similar to what her mother could have used when caring for her sister’s children.

Initially, the camp welcomed 110 children with limited resources. Over time, their efforts grew, accumulating various equipment like coffee makers, games, and camping gear. Moving images on their website show children stepping off luxury buses, warmly greeted by volunteers’ applause.

This year, attendance is expected to exceed 200 children, evidence of the camp’s growth. Operating under Breaking the Cycle, a nonprofit formed last year, around 200 volunteers help bring the camp to life. Many former attendees return to volunteer, adding to the camp’s community spirit.

Despite the setback of losing the trailer and all it contained, Vallejo maintains her determination. “We still have the camp, we have the children, we have buses, and the volunteers,” she asserted. An essential lesson from the camp is forgiveness, which she and her husband practice, forgiving those who took the trailer.

To replace what was lost, they set up a GoFundMe page to raise around $28,000. As of last Friday, $26,900 had been raised, allowing them to replace the trailer. Vallejo remains optimistic, stating, “We walk by faith.” The camp’s mission continues, driven by unwavering faith and determination.