Children of incarcerated parents find support at basketball camp on West Side

Nearly 175 children came together at the Hope Student Athletics Center on Saturday for the Angel Tree Sports Camp, an event specifically designed to assist children with a parent currently in prison. The camp, organized by Prison Fellowship, brought young athletes together to hone their basketball skills while also providing a supportive environment.

The camp's director of community engagement, Christopher Mallette, emphasized the importance of not leaving any child behind and providing them with opportunities despite their challenging circumstances. The camp aims to offer mentorship and support to families dealing with difficult situations.

One such individual who shared his own experiences was Brandon Johnson, a former youth athlete who, after an NBA career cut short due to a prison sentence for sports bribery, understands the struggles of many campers. Johnson, who was incarcerated in the third grade when his mother was in jail and later faced his own child's incarceration, hopes his own story will inspire other young people to overcome their challenges and not let their circumstances define their futures.

He stressed the importance of persistence, stating, "Never quit. Just the ability to achieve things that you can still can be great even if you mad a bad decision."

Event planners, such as Nikki Mattison, echoed the organizers' goal of surrounding the campers with a strong community and providing them with the love and support they need. The camp's objective is to create a sense of community through sports and positive role models, ensuring that children of incarcerated parents receive the assistance and encouragement they require to navigate their difficult situations.