Helena, MT – This summer, Carroll College will host Camp Bright Horizons, a new two-day camp designed to support youth ages 12 to 15 who have an incarcerated parent, reflecting Carroll’s mission to serve the common good through meaningful engagement with children and families in our community.
Carroll was selected through a request for proposal process to host the first-of-its-kind program in partnership with Lewis & Clark County Criminal Justice Services. The initiative grew out of conversations with county leaders last fall about unmet needs among children and families impacted by incarceration. In support of the effort, the county has awarded Carroll a $45,000 annual grant, renewable for up to five years, to lead the program.
The free camp will take place July 30-31 on Carroll’s campus and is expected to serve 15 to 20 youth from across Lewis & Clark County. Campers will participate in a variety of engaging activities including outdoor experiences, sports, art, 3D printing, theater, and other hands-on learning opportunities designed to help them build confidence, develop positive relationships, and experience moments of fun, belonging, and connection.
Research shows that children with incarcerated parents face higher risks of poverty, anxiety, depression, academic disruption, and future justice-system involvement. Camp Bright Horizons is designed to create positive, lasting impact by providing an environment where youth feel valued and empowered.
“Our Catholic mission calls us to recognize the dignity of every person, especially those who may feel forgotten or marginalized. Through Camp Bright Horizons, our faculty, staff, and students are living that mission by accompanying children and families impacted by incarceration with compassion and hope,” said Bishop Austin Vetter, interim co-president of Carroll College.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Carroll faculty members Dr. Jamie Dolan, professor of sociology & gender studies; Dr. Molly Molloy, associate professor and director of field education in Carroll’s Master of Social Work program; and Dr. Kaylin Bourdon, assistant professor of sociology, specializing in criminology.
“We are thrilled to be offering Camp Bright Horizons this summer. We aim to provide the fun, supportive, and meaningful camp experience that these children deserve, and the Carroll campus and Carroll community have a lot to offer in providing this experience,” said Dr. Jamie Dolan. “We really appreciate that the County recognizes the importance of such a program, and we are grateful to the County Commission for approving the funding. We hope this is just one step in a community-wide commitment toward supporting children with incarcerated parents.”
While the summer camp is the centerpiece of the initiative, the work will continue year-round. Carroll faculty and student staff will remain connected with participating youth, caregivers, foster families, and guardians through monthly events and ongoing outreach over an 11-month period. These gatherings will help strengthen relationships, identify emerging family needs, and connect participants with community resources throughout the county.
The program also creates meaningful opportunities for Carroll students. The college will hire student workers to help support the summer camp, and a yearlong student internship will be available as part of the ongoing family engagement effort, providing hands-on experience in social services and mission-driven service. It also reflects Carroll’s commitment to translating classroom expertise into meaningful community impact.
Youth and families interested in participating in Camp Bright Horizons can apply online by filling out the application at https://tinyurl.com/2s4m8nth. Questions about the program may be directed to CampBrightHorizons@carroll.edu.
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