Campers decorate bags during check-in at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Andrew Papendieck started a summer camp after years of visiting men at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
The Eugene man said that more than once, men on the inside would introduce him to a relative who was also behind bars.
A father would come up to him “with a pained look on his face: ‘This is my son,’” Papendieck said.
Papendieck, who visited men in prison as part of a faith-based ministry, wanted to support their families on the outside and break the cycle of multiple generations being imprisoned.
A decade ago, he founded Camp Agape, a free summer camp for kids with incarcerated parents or guardians, modeled after a similar program in Hawaii. It’s now offered annually in both Eugene and Salem.
The camp’s goal is to show kids with a parent in prison that they’re not alone, and they can take a different path in life.
“This doesn’t define you. God created you to do amazing things,” Papendieck said. The camp is faith-based, but open to all kids regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
The Salem iteration of the camp is in its fifth year and kicked off July 16, welcoming about 130 kids for a long weekend of summer fun at the Aldersgate Retreat Center outside Turner.
Because of Covid health precautions, the normally overnight camp was daytime only, and some activities like boat rides were scrubbed.
Kamren Spier, 9, unfolds his camp shirt at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Kamren Spier, 9, of Independence, was among the early arrivals, dropped off by grandparents Valerie Spier and Rick Davis.
They’ve cared for Kamren most of his life because his father is in Oregon State Penitentiary. The youngster said he’s looked forward to camp every summer since he first attended in 2018.
Kamren said football and making friends were highlights of past years, as well as water activities.
“I love swimming. I just never get to do it,” he said.
He said campers don’t usually talk about their parents, and it makes him sad to think about how he can’t see his dad.
But his grandparents said the camp helped him understand other kids are experiencing the same thing.
Camp is free, supported by donations and some work from men serving life in the penitentiary, who sell crafts and other items to support the camp’s work.
“It’s something that we probably wouldn’t be able to afford,” Valerie Spier said. She said her grandson has become more outgoing and confident through developing friendships.
Kamren perked up as camp volunteers told him he’d be part of the Dinomite cabin, getting a red t-shirt. He has a small collection of camp shirts, a different one from each year.
“This is the best thing that he’s ever found,” Valerie Spier said.
Milee Lones, 12, of Dallas, is welcomed by cabin leaders Julie Sobel, left, and Serianna Rosberg at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Campers decorate envelopes at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Anthony Duran, 12, of Salem, checks in at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Angela Hett, 15, is reunited with volunteer Brenda Hux, during check-in at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. The pair have known eachother through the camp for five years. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Campers settle in at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Volunteer Helen Bagley greets a camper during check-in at the Agape Youth Camp in Turner, OR, on Thursday, July 16. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
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Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.
