NCJ Number
132051
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1991) Pages: 136,138,140-142,144
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Illinois' Dwight Correctional Center, the State's only institution for women, has an overnight camping program for inmates and their children that is conducted in a campground near the institution.
Abstract
Begun under a Federal grant in the summer of 1988, the program known as Camp Celebration is located in a large oak grove near the administration building. The site contains enough space for food and preparation storage areas, a sizable pavilion, and bathroom and shower facilities. The program operates for 13 weekends each summer, allowing up to 12 mothers per weekend to bring their children on the grounds for a 48-hour visit. Children arrive Friday at noon and proceed through a security check at the main gate. Each family receives camping equipment, including sleeping bags, plastic moisture barrier sleeping pads, a cooler, a lantern, a cookstove, and water jugs. Each campsite contains a 4-person tent, a picnic table, and a trash can. Friday afternoon activities consist of settling into camp, making introductions, and playing games. Facility staff prepare the Friday dinner at barbecue grills and serve cafeteria style near the main pavilion. After-dinner activities consist of games and a campfire program and snacks. On Saturday activities are relaxed and unstructured and feature pony rides, a water slide, volleyball, badminton, board games, and arts and crafts. Mothers are responsible only for the Sunday morning breakfast, which is cooked at the campsite. Transportation for the children is a significant problem, but security during the campground activities has not been a problem.