The New York Times published an article July 5, 2009 titled “In Prisoner’s Wake, a Tide of Troubled Kids” discussing the high and increased risk for children who have a parent incarcerated.  Some even refer to this trend as the “incarceration generation.”

“Incarceration rates in the United States have multiplied over the last three decades, in part because of stiffer sentencing rules. At any given moment, more than 1.5 million children have a parent, usually their father, in prison, according to federal data.”

The article continues: “Recent studies indicate that having an incarcerated parent doubles the chance that a child will be at least temporarily homeless and measurably increases the likelihood of physically aggressive behavior, social isolation, depression and problems in school – all portending dimmer prospects in adulthood.”

The New York Times article brings attention to the real risks for children who grow up with a parent in prison. The statistics are overwhelming and the cycle is powerful. In light of this, kidz2leaders, inc. works to defy this statistic for kids in metro-Atlanta. At our ten-year anniversary, we can proudly say that of all the students that have participated in our program, only three have entered some kind of detention center. kidz2leaders, inc. is seeing real success and transformation in the lives of our Camp Hope kidz. Positive experiences such as Camp Hope, mentoring and interns4tomorrow provide hope now and for future generations.

Won’t you help us as we seek to transform the lives of prisoners’ children? We can’t do it without the help of volunteers and supporters. If you can’t participate – advocate! You can help us defy these statistics!

To read the complete New York Times article, please visit www.nytimes.com.

Christmas in July:  It might be hot outside, but it’s Christmas at Camp Hope!  Come take a tag off our Christmas tree on Sunday, June 28 and Sunday, July 5.  We need individually-wrapped snacks, boy’s clothes, gift cards or you can sponsor a camper for Camp Hope.  Please drop-off your donations BY July 9 in the Camp Hope donation boxes located in Mt. Bethel’s staff mailroom.  Thank you for your help in making our 10^th anniversary EXTRA special for our campers!

Don’t forget that Camp Hope counselor applications are due Monday, June 1!  Please return the completed application with the Counselor Keys to Success to the Camp Hope office.  Or, mail it to 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068.  Applications and other forms are available to download at www.kidz2leaders.org.  Join the fun and excitement as we celebrate Camp Hope’s 10th Anniversary!!

Don’t forget to sign-up for the 2009 Camp Hope Golf Tournament on Monday, April 27th at the Woodmont Golf and Country Club.  Proceeds will benefit Camp Hope’s 10th summer!  Please complete a Registration Form if you would like to participate.  If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to help a camper attend Camp Hope this summer.  Call the Camp Hope office for more information – 770-977-7751.  We look forward to seeing you on the 27th!