A major concern of incarcerated parents is the impact the time away from home will have on their children.  The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) released the results of a research project on children with incarcerated parents.  Research evidence shows that the arrest and confinement of a parent adds stress, trauma, emotional, behavioral, and health problems to the children.  (Hairston 2007) 

Other studies show that children of inmates are eight times more likely to end up in prison themselves.

In an effort to help break the cycle of crime there are several summer camps located in Texas which cater these children.

Promise Camp is a summer camp held in Amarillo, Texas at the Bishop Quarterman Ranch who has an incarcerated parent.  Promise Camp is open to children entering 4th, 5th and 6th grades and is tuition free to all campers.  Transportation is provided to children living in Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, Midland-Odessa and San Angelo.   Visit Promise Camp for more information.

Camp Good News, located in Navasota, Texas, is a summer camp for children aged 10-15 whose has an incarcerated parent  in jail or prison.  Camp Good News is a Christian camp which includes spiritual activities along with games, crafts, horseback riding, swimming, and skills growth and is tuition free to all campers.   Participation is limited to 60 children on a first come, first served basis.  Visit Camp Good News for more information.

Frontier Camp participates is part of the Angel Tree Camping program started by Prison Fellowship Ministries.  The camp is for kids ages 8 to 15 and is free for children who have parents in prison.  Visit Frontier Camp for more information.

The NWTX Grace Camp in Merkel, Texas is for children in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades who has an incarcerated parent.  Activities include Bible Study, small groups, hiking, swimming, climbing wall, and crafts.  Scholarships are available.  Visit the NWTX Grace Camp for more information.