Camp Celebration: Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children Camping Together; Research Report 1990

• NCJ Number: 139326
• Author(s): N J Stumbo; S L Little
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 29 pages
• Grant Number(s): 90CW0927
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections; US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Corporate Author: Illinois Dept of Corrections
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report presents a description and evaluation results for a camping program for inmates and their children on the grounds of Illinois' Dwight Correctional Center, which currently houses approximately 750 adult female offenders, 64 percent of whom are single parents who average 2.5 children each.

Abstract

Each weekend during the summers of 1988, 1989, and 1990, the camping program provided 12 mothers the opportunity to camp on the institution's grounds with their children 16 years old and younger. The program's aim was to provide a unique opportunity for the inmates to reunite with and bond with their children. The children arrived on Friday, and each family was given a complete set of camping equipment. Each campsite contained a 5-person tent, a picnic table, and a trash can. Friday afternoon activities consisted of campsite preparation, orientation, and games. The Friday dinner was prepared at barbecue grills and served cafeteria-style near the main pavilion. All food was provided by the central dining hall. Friday evening was spent in games, campfire singing, and family time in the tents. Saturday activities consisted of optional pony rides, volleyball, badminton, board games, and arts and crafts. The featured event on Saturday night was a talent show and skit night put on by the inmates and their children. Adequate amounts of tent time were allocated throughout the weekend. Sunday morning breakfast was prepared by the mothers on the campstoves. This was followed by a nondenominational worship service geared to the children. The camping program ended Sunday noon. Evaluation data collection methods included individual interviews, group interviews, written surveys, participant observations, and archival retrieval. The overall finding of the evaluation was that the camping program has been instrumental in enhancing the bond between the participating mothers and their children. This report also summarizes other parental programs at the institution and compares the characteristics of camping and non-camping women. 2 tables