CIC Connects offers fun, enriching opportunities to Minnesota youth impacted by parental incarceration. Kids in our network may attend a week-long YMCA summer camp and participate in year-round activities, like running events and sporting games, at no cost to their families. Participants must be referred to CIC Connects by our established community partners.
Are you the parent or caregiver of a child impacted by parental incarceration? Check out our Family Resource Guide.
Summer Camp
Each summer, CIC partners with the YMCA to send youth impacted by incarceration to a week of overnight camp for free. At camp, kids engage in outdoor play and activities like hiking, canoeing, and archery. The experience can build kids’ self-esteem and independence, foster a love of the outdoors, and teach lifelong skills. Our camp program also provides CIC caregivers—many of whom are single parents—with a crucial respite during the summer months.
“My daughter got to learn how to enjoy nature.”
“My son had a place to experience fun new things in a healthy environment where he could expand his skills and meet new friends.”
“[Camp] helps her be more well-rounded and confident in and around all environments and people.”
Family-Friendly Fun
In partnership with Tickets for Kids and Twin Cities in Motion, CIC offers youth in our network opportunities to attend fun and enriching events with their families. Through Tickets for Kids, CIC families can attend sporting events like Timberwolves Games, and through Twin Cities in Motion, CIC families can get outside together at family-friendly running events.
“Going to the Twins baseball game was an unforgettable experience for my child. From the moment we walked into Target Field, I could sense a rush of excitement over him. The bright lights, the smell of popcorn, the roar of the crowd—it was like stepping into another world. One of the best parts was just being there with other fans. Everyone was cheering together, high-fiving strangers, and reacting to every pitch. This is something my child would probably never have experienced if it weren’t for our involvement with CIC.”
“My nephew was offered the opportunity to run and receive free running shoes. He is now an avid runner and actually received a gold and bronze medal in the 2023 city finals.”
Angel Tree Gift Drive
Each holiday season, CIC partners with Mercy Vineyard Church on an Angel Tree Gift Drive. CIC youth receive free Christmas gifts tailored to their interests and hobbies, while their caregiver receives a gift card.
“As a caregiver, this support took a lot of stress off during the holidays and allowed us to really enjoy the season.”
“It means a lot to me to receive these gifts because our tree would look bare on Christmas morning with what I could provide just by myself.”
“I am very grateful to have community support when I feel that I am alone in raising my kids.”
“Christmas used to be something none of us enjoyed. Now we all get so excited to see what gifts they received.”