I just want to let those who don't know about this opportunity for our loved ones to be able to spend the day with their children.

My husband signed up for the One Day With God Camp organized by the Forgiven Ministry. You can find out more info online at www.forgivenministry.org (http://www.forgivenministry.org)

The one day camp was held on Sept 12. We met up at a local church in Kenedy where the kids were assigned mentors. They were then bussed to the Connally unit for a day of activities with their Dads. The "caregivers" were also given an opportunity to wait at the church where we were treated to lunch, crafting, and listened to a few guest speakers. The highlights of this for me was listening to the very touching (I think most of us were in tears) testimonies of those affected by having their loves ones in prison and being left to care for their children. And at the end we were able to watch a video of the days events. This alone was a beautiful sight to see...Dads sending personal messages to their kids before they got there, once the kids arrived then the fun started, they played tug of war, danced, sang Happy Birthday, made crafts, and had some time alone to talk to their kids and apologize for being away.

Once it was time to pick up our kids we all went out to the unit and made it in time to see their balloon release. After that the kids came out and they were all very excited. This camp was very organized and wouldn't have been possible without Forgiven Ministry and the many local church volunteers. I just received a DVD slideshow in the mail this weekend. While it isn't the same video we saw its still a very nicely done slideshow of the days events. I would love to post it on here but I'm not sure about the policies regarding posting a video and I don't want to upset the families or infringe on their privacy.

Is this a once a year thing??? I have 6yo daughter who would have loved to spend the whole day with her dad.

thanks so much. I will look this up on line, do you know if there is an age limit they have to meet? And if they go all over or not? Thanks,

Is this a once a year thing??? I have 6yo daughter who would have loved to spend the whole day with her dad.


MrsMurphy, yes this is a once a year thing. It would be great if they were able to do this more often. Have your loved one ask the chaplain about signing up. I'm not sure when the next one will be, but either the chaplain can let him know or you can call the Forgiven Ministry at 1-866-584-7534 or email them at forgivenministry@vol.com (forgivenministry@vol.com)

thanks so much. I will look this up on line, do you know if there is an age limit they have to meet? And if they go all over or not? Thanks,


Hey blountswife, I'm not too sure about the age limit so don't hold me to it. But at this last camp there was a young man who was 21 yrs old and he got to spend the day with his Dad. From what I was told this was the first time he was able to spend time with his Dad. And they have to be at least 3 yrs old as well.
They do not go to all the units. Although they said they would love to...there are many loops to jump through just to get it approved. Their website lists the units they are available at. If they are not at your loved one's unit have them ask their chaplain about it or contact Forgiven Ministry to see what new units will offer the camp.
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