New Day Camp – CJAMM Programs | Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries

New Day Camp

A transformative summer camp experience for children and families affected by incarceration, providing healing activities, counseling, and hope for breaking generational cycles.

About New Day Camp

New Day Camp provides a safe, nurturing environment where children and families affected by incarceration can heal, grow, and create positive memories together while building resilience for the future.

Our Mission & Vision

New Day Camp is more than just a week of summer fun. It is a safe, healing space for children who have been impacted by parental incarceration, addiction, family separation, and other difficult life circumstances.

During the first week of June, children ages 8 to 14 come together for a completely free camp experience that includes engaging activities, meals, transportation assistance, and ongoing family support. Teens ages 15 to 17 are welcomed back to serve as Leaders in Training, giving them the opportunity to grow in leadership, responsibility, and confidence while continuing to be part of the New Day Camp community.

What truly sets New Day Camp apart is the heart behind it. Through therapeutic recreation, mentorship, counseling support, and meaningful community connection, we help children process their experiences in healthy ways and remind them they are not alone.

We understand the unique challenges these children face, including emotional trauma, social stigma, financial hardship, and instability at home. That is why we intentionally create an environment where they feel seen, valued, and supported. Our goal is to help them build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and begin breaking cycles of generational trauma, all while having fun, building friendships, and creating joyful memories.

At New Day Camp, healing begins, confidence grows, and hope is restored.

Trauma-informed care and therapeutic activities designed specifically for children affected by incarceration
Family-centered approach that strengthens bonds and provides support for entire family units
Evidence-based programs that promote resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy development
Ongoing support and resources for families beyond the camp experience
Children participating in New Day Camp therapeutic activities and skill-building exercises

What Makes New Day Camp Special

Our comprehensive program combines evidence-based therapeutic approaches with engaging activities to create transformative experiences for children and families.

Therapeutic Programming

Evidence-based therapeutic activities designed to help children process trauma, develop emotional regulation skills, and build healthy coping mechanisms.

  • Individual and group counseling sessions
  • Play therapy and expressive arts
  • Mindfulness and stress management techniques
  • Trauma-informed care practices

Engaging Activities

Fun, purposeful activities that promote healing, build confidence, and create positive memories while teaching valuable life skills.

  • Outdoor adventure and team building
  • Creative arts and music therapy
  • Sports and recreational activities
  • Educational workshops and skill building

Family Support

Comprehensive support services for entire families, including caregivers and siblings, to strengthen family bonds and improve outcomes.

  • Family counseling and therapy sessions
  • Parenting support and education
  • Caregiver support groups
  • Resource connection and advocacy

Life Skills Development

Practical skills training that prepares children and families for success in school, relationships, and future endeavors.

  • Communication and social skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Academic support and tutoring
  • Leadership development opportunities

Age Groups & Specialized Programs

We offer age-appropriate programming designed to meet the unique developmental needs of children at different life stages.

New Day Camper One

Ages 8-11

Foundational programming focused on emotional regulation, basic coping skills, and building trust through play-based therapeutic activities.

Play Therapy Art & Crafts Story Time Nature Exploration Basic Life Skills

New Day Camper Two

Ages 12-14

Developmentally appropriate programming addressing identity formation, peer relationships, and more complex emotional challenges.

Group Counseling Team Sports Music Therapy Leadership Activities Academic Support

LIT (Leader In Training)

Ages 15-17

Advanced programming focusing on future planning, leadership development, relationship skills, and preparation for independent living and college/career readiness.

Individual Therapy Career Exploration College Prep Mentorship Community Service

Camp Schedule & Timeline

New Day Camp takes place the first week of June and provides a structured, supportive environment for campers throughout the week.

New Day Camp 2026

June 1–5, 2026

Arrival: Monday, June 1, 2026
Departure: Friday, June 5, 2026
Capacity: 80 Campers
Leaders in Training: 20 Teens (Ages 15–17)

Daily Camp Experience

Monday – Friday

Morning Circle and Community Building
Therapeutic Activities and Group Counseling
Recreational Activities and Team Games
Lunch and Community Time
Skills Workshops and Leadership Development
Closing Circle

Registration Information

Join us for a transformative summer experience. New Day Camp is completely FREE for campers thanks to generous donations and community support.

How to Register

Registration for New Day Camp is free and open to children impacted by incarceration or related family challenges.

Registration Requirements

  • Child must be between ages 8–14
  • If ages 15–17, please emailanne@cjamm.org
  • Complete the online registration form
  • Provide emergency contact information

What’s Included

  • New Day Camp is completely FREE for campers thanks to donations
  • All camp activities and materials
  • Meals and snacks
  • Supportive programming and mentorship

Important Date

  • Registration Closes: April 30

Questions?

Contact our New Day Camp coordinator for more information.

anne@cjamm.org

(405) 525-3522
Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM

Our Dedicated Team

New Day Camp is staffed by experienced professionals, trained volunteers, and caring mentors who are passionate about supporting children and families affected by incarceration.

Licensed Therapists

Clinical Team

Our clinical team includes licensed professional counselors, social workers, and family therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care and working with children affected by incarceration.

Qualifications

Licensed Counselors Trauma-Informed Family Therapy

Camp Counselors

Direct Care Staff

Trained camp counselors provide direct support and supervision during daily activities, building relationships with campers and creating a safe, nurturing environment.

Qualifications

Youth Development First Aid/CPR Background Checked

Activity Specialists

Program Staff

Specialized instructors lead therapeutic activities, arts programs, recreational activities, and skill-building workshops tailored to each age group’s needs.

Qualifications

Activity Leadership Creative Arts Recreation Therapy

Support Volunteers

Community Partners

Trained community volunteers provide additional support, mentorship, and assistance with daily activities while serving as positive role models for campers.

Qualifications

Trained Volunteers Mentorship Community Support

Program Director

Leadership Team

Experienced program director oversees all aspects of New Day Camp, ensuring quality programming, staff coordination, and adherence to best practices in youth development.

Qualifications

Program Management Youth Services Masters Degree

Family Liaisons

Family Support

Dedicated family liaisons work directly with parents and caregivers, providing support, resources, and facilitating communication between families and camp staff.

Qualifications

Family Services Case Management Resource Connection

Stories of Transformation

Hear from families whose lives have been transformed through the New Day Camp experience and ongoing support services.

New Day Camp gave my daughter the tools she needed to understand and cope with her father’s incarceration. The counselors were amazing, and she came home each day excited to share what she learned. For the first time in months, I saw her smile again.

M

Maria G.

Camp Parent – Session 2024

I was angry and confused about my mom being in prison. New Day Camp helped me understand it wasn’t my fault and gave me friends who understood what I was going through. The counselors taught me how to handle my big feelings in healthy ways.

J

Jordan, Age 12

New Day Camp Participant

As a grandmother raising my grandson while his parents are incarcerated, I felt overwhelmed and alone. New Day Camp not only helped him, but connected our family with resources and support that made all the difference in our healing journey.

D

Dorothy L.

Guardian & Caregiver

The family counseling sessions were life-changing. We learned how to communicate better and work through our trauma together. My kids are more resilient now, and our family is stronger because of New Day Camp’s support.

S

Sarah M.

Single Mother of Three

New Day Camp helped me realize I’m not the only kid dealing with a parent in prison. The other kids became my friends, and the activities were fun while teaching me important skills. I learned I can still have dreams for my future.

A

Ashley, Age 15

Teen Program Graduate

The ongoing support after camp ended has been incredible. The staff continues to check in with our family, connect us with resources, and provide counseling when we need it. New Day Camp is truly invested in our long-term success.

R

Robert H.

Foster Father

Give a Child Hope This Summer

Your support helps us provide free, transformative summer camp experiences for children and families affected by incarceration. Together, we can break generational cycles and build brighter futures.