Who are "ASK Kids?" We call our boys and girls of incarcerated parents Apple Seed Kids (ASK Kids). We know that if we are able to plant good, Godly seeds into these children; the effects can multiply. Anyone can count how many seeds are in an apple, but only God can count how many apples come from one seed. Our goal is to equip these hurting kids with the Love of Jesus Christ so those who come after them, in contact with them will produce a great harvest of good! Our close friend Chuck Colson was very instrumental and inspirational in us reaching children of prisoners. His excitement, support and love for reaching the hurting gave us a tremendous boost in what God was doing in and through Calicinto.
 

Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving can be some of the most hard and painful times for families of incarceration. Calicinto along with many volunteers, business and individuals make these holidays very meaningful and create new family traditions. We host children of incarcerated parents and their families for a day of home cooked food, unconditional love and hope that only comes from Jesus Christ! At Christmas time, children receive gifts on behalf of their incarcerated parent. These gifts include a meaningful note from their parent. It is not just about receiving another gift; it is about restoring families, forgiveness and showing Gods love to the least of these. Many individuals, businesses, churches and organizations provide 2 gifts to over 1,000 hurting children.

Throughout the year these children are mailed hand written notes of encouragement, receive birthday cards and are invited to special events.

Summer Camp-A Dream Come True!

For kids who have one or both parents incarcerated, summer camp is where these kids come alive! The duration of the camp is anywhere from 3-5 days. There is no charge to the children or their families. Our program is geared towards children ages 7-11. As the kids get older, they are able to become apart of our leadership team. Prison Fellowship-Angel Tree provides Calicinto with children's names and phone numbers. We contact the families, confirm the information and these kids become apart of our year round program

Calicinto uses the nationally recognized program 2nd Step to teach problem solving and anger resolution.

We teach the kids Character Counts (Internationally Accredited Program) and use many of the animal stories from Character First (Nationally Recognized Program). As the children hear how a deer shows attentiveness, they quickly relate and understand how they too can demonstrate attentiveness.

A Law Enforcement Officer comes and speaks to the children about his responsibility to protect and serve them and the community. He shares how to be good citizens, and he explains the importance of obeying the laws and knowing the consequences. For the first time many of these children are able to approach an officer without hate, fear, or anger.

The excitement and enthusiastic attitudes the children demonstrate as they move from one activity to another, is quite a joy to witness. Some of these activities are: Riding horses, enjoying healthy all you can eat homemade meals, cooling off in the swimming pool, making crafts, playing basketball and volleyball, holding little farm animals, and playing a whole lot of country games. The children are shown how to carry these same attitudes over in other areas of their lives such as: writing letters of gratefulness, keeping things clean and tidy, and making right choices. They learn the value of respect and teamwork. They develop a relationship with a wholesome mentor, and for many of them, they experience a safe nights sleep!

Our hope is to redirect children's lives so they will start new traditions and will break the cycle of crime that was set before them. To give them hope that only comes in Jesus Christ for a fulfilled, productive life so they can make a difference in their families, schools, and communities. These children are shown "remodeling through modeling."

Where did CALICINTO come from? Back in the 1800's Calicinto was a real live working karakul sheep ranch. Many of the rich and famous would make a pit stop at Calicinto to enjoy some home cooked food in the "Cafe," marinate in the old hot springs and get a good night sleep in one of the unique cabins before heading out with their new karakul lamb jacket. For many years, Calicinto sat dormant. Little did we know the little treasure it would become! The original Calicinto farmer Rex, creatively took the words California and San Jacinto and created the word Calicinto. Throughout the camp you will find lots of original olive trees and there is even a  "Cross Mountain."  Today, we are very honored to be able to lead boys and girls (little lambs) to the Lord.

 

 

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