Saint Philip’s Prison Ministry is holding its second annual donation drive to support Camp Genesis this May! Last year, thanks to you, we brought in more than double our goal of $500, which is why we are raising our goal to $1000 this year.

With your help, we can get there—but the drive only lasts three weeks, so don’t miss out on your chance to support!

To make a donation, find Emily Lyons near the Blue Umbrella after the 10:00am service starting this Sunday, May 4, and again on Sundays, May 11 and 18.

What is Camp Genesis?

Camp Genesis is a Diocese-run summer camp for children and youth who have a parent or close family member in prison. Thanks to the generosity of people like you, attending Camp Genesis is completely free for all campers.

During their week at Chapel Rock in Prescott, campers go on outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, express their creativity through art, and develop spiritually in community. Most importantly, they get to just be kids!

Your donation directly supports campers

Because many campers live at or below the poverty level, Camp Genesis greets arriving campers with their very own backpack filled with essentials such as a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, chapstick, and more. Your donation helps to cover the cost of these items.

Anything we raise in excess of our $1000 goal will go to Camp Genesis’ operating fund, so that the Diocese can continue to offer this transformative ministry at no cost to campers for years to come.

How you can donate

We can accept cash and checks. No amount is too small! Just $10 covers the cost of a water bottle for one camper.

Donations by check can be made out to “Episcopal Diocese of Arizona—Prison Ministry” and indicate “Camp Genesis” in the memo line.

From Angel Tree to Camp Genesis

Connecting the children and youth we serve through an Angel Tree at Christmas time to the opportunity to attend Camp Genesis is a way we sustain our support for justice-impacted families year-round.

Why is this so important?

Children from justice-impacted families are more likely than their peers to struggle academically, face bullying, experience financial hardships at home, and have poor mental health. These setbacks early in life make them more likely to be caught up in the criminal justice system themselves.

Camp Genesis helps to break this cycle, providing kids a safe, affirming environment where they can build self-esteem and form lasting friendships. Also, campers receive ongoing academic, social, and spiritual support year-round from a network of dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer camp staff needed!

Do you have experience and enjoy working with kids? Would you like to spend an all-expenses-paid week in the cool pines of Prescott? Consider volunteering at camp!

For more information, contact Deacon Kim Crecca at campgenesis@azdiocese.org