We are starting to plan New Day Camp 2025 and we have created a wish list below. Check it out!

Reach out to us at (405) 525-3522 or anne@cjamm.org

This was my first year to volunteer for New Day Camp located at the Crosspoint Methodist Campground. This is a camp offered yearly for children, 8-14 years old, who have either one or both parents in prison and is an outreach ministry of the Methodist Church, CJAMM (Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries). Many staff and volunteers work to make this camp a reality, to give children living in very difficult circumstances a somewhat normal, fun kid experience during the summer.

We had 61 campers who arrived, with I imagine, a range of emotions: excitement, fear, sadness, anger, confusion, but mostly fear. The 52 volunteers and staff, came to work together and create a fun, safe, life-enriching experience for children who have often suffered so much abuse, neglect, and great emotional pain.

The intention is for each child to experience God’s love demonstrated in so many ways: from new shoes, socks, bedding, clothing, plenty of food and snacks; to play, laughter, singing, games, cooperation, teamwork, kind words of encouragement, praise, a sense of humor, tenderness, comfort, patience, compassion, and lots of smiles. At times, the latter was the only way I felt I could convey God’s love. I offered that demonstration of love to every camper and volunteer as often as I could throughout the week.

I was assigned to lead the campers in making a craft and then assist on the other days with crafts taught by other volunteers. Most children, given the opportunity, love arts and crafts. It was fun to watch them create something they were proud of and could take with them. I had many opportunities to offer instruction, encouragement and praise with a smile and a heartfelt desire for each child to feel special, cared for and respected.

When asked how I felt about the camp experience, I honestly replied, “it was one of the most emotionally and physically exhausting experiences of my life.” The volunteers were all worn out by the end of the week. Two volunteers that had been there for several years in a row told me not to say “no” to coming back next year until some time had passed. “It’s like having a baby, you have to give yourself time to forget the pain” and we laughed.

All in all, I believe God used me and all the volunteers, staff and kids to create love, joy, compassion and connection and isn’t that what it’s all about regardless of the people we are with, the circumstances of our day-to-day experiences? God calls us to love one another even when it is an angry, defiant, acting out child or a cranky exhausted adult.

CJAMM Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries of Oklahoma, Inc. and Exodus House Tulsa are pleased to welcome Kristi Szeszulski as the new PRSS. The role of a PRSS, short for Peer Recovery Support Specialist, is a person in recovery from a mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder, who has been trained to work with others on his/her individual road to recovery.

Kristi is pictured with Site Director Michael Thomas, CJAMM’s Anne Robertson and Keith Dobbs.

We are thrilled to have Kristi joining the team.