Fourteen children who have a parent in prison attended a week-long camp session this summer at Camp Stoney, near Santa Fe, N.M., in the Diocese of the Rio Grande. The idea came out of the April, 1994 "Episcopal Church Goes to Prison" conference which was designed and hosted by the Rev. Jacqueline Means, rector of St. Mark's Church, Plainfield, Ind.

High on the agenda of that conference was the issue of caring for families of prisoners. When a mother or father is sentenced to prison, the entire family is disrupted and suffers as well. The home environment generally deteriorates in the absence of the parent, creating even more problems. One goal of the prison ministry is to help break that cycle.

The Rev. Steve Caldwell, rector of St. Chad's Church, Albuquerque, N.M., attended the conference as a representative from the Diocese of the Rio Grande. He also serves as a member of the board of Camp Stoney. A passing remark during the conference about the possibility of providing a camping experience for children of prisoners got his immediate attention. He remembers, "When I heard that idea, I knew why I was attending the conference. My work with Kairos Prison Ministry and involvement with Camp Stoney came together like a crack of thunder!" As he left Indiana, he told Ms. Means, "You'll be hearing from me."

The plan met enthusiastic acceptance with the Camp Stoney board and other clergy and lay persons. Scholarships for campers were requested throughout the diocese. The response was immediate and generous. Prison chaplains and social workers helped identify and enlist campers ranging in age from 8 to 14 years old. The national church agreed to finance Ms. Means' transportation to New Mexico to assist with the model ministry being established.

The camp was held Aug. 6-12 with 14 campers and eight staff present. Activities were designed to teach peer cooperation and promote self-esteem.

Campers hiked in the Sangre de Christo Mountains, took a trip to Bandelier National Monument, were involved in a creative arts and crafts program and, in the light of a campfire, were enthralled by a professional storyteller.

Religious instruction was led by Fr. Caldwell and focused on the stories of Abraham, Joseph and Jesus. Not knowing how their journeys would turn out, these men were filled with confidence in the Lord and hope for the future. "I wanted these kids to leave here with hope for their own futures," said Tom Robertson, Camp Stoney director.

Numerous "coincidences" occurred during the week which the organizers took as indications that the Holy Spirit was very much part of the staff. By the time they arrived at Camp Stoney, two of the campers discovered that their mothers were cellmates in a women's correctional facility. Two other campers, virtually unknown to each other, were actually brother and sister, and became acquainted during the camp. Originally called "Outreach Camp," the name has been changed to "Grace Camp," since that name "fits what happened there."

Ms. Means and others associated with the project hope to be able to replicate the camp in other parts of the country. Leaders of diocesan camping or prison ministries who would like to know details of Grace Camp may contact the Rev. Jackie Means at St. Mark's Church, P.O. Box 25, Plainfield, Ind. 46168; or the Rev. Steve Caldwell at St. Chad's Church, 7171 Tennyson NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87122.