Berger Foundation presents summer camp grant for inmates’ children

Fifty Coachella Valley children with parents who are incarcerated will receive a three-day summer camp experience, thanks to a $25,000 grant from a Coachella Valley nonprofit.

The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation’s grant will sponsor the kids, providing for a three-day camp at Calicinto Ranch in San Jacinto.

Check out more Coachella Valley Spotlight stories

The kids will take part in a full slate of activities during their stay at the ranch, with the goal of incarceration prevention in mind.

“Camp at Calicinto Ranch has impacted young people in profound ways as they participate in animal care, horseback riding, and other wholesome, fun ranch activities, alongside caring, volunteer adult mentors,” said Sophia Pirelli, executive director of Calicinto Ranch. “Our goal is to give more kids this life-changing experience each year.”

The grant money will cover the cost of $500 per child for the camp, which covers transportation, food, program materials, crafts, pictures and more.

“The people at Calicinto Ranch are providing foundational learning to help put kids on a positive, purposeful and productive path for their future. I’m happy we can be a part of this,” said Catharine Reed, program director of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.