STEM Camp for kids with incarcerated parents gives chance to learn about robotics, drones, music

Gaynor Hall
·1 min read
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CHICAGO —Robots and drones were a big hit at a STEM camp on the city’s West Side Saturday, that was a part of a program supporting children who have an incarcerated parent.

“It’s fun, it’s exciting,” said Talia Banks, a nine-year-old fourth grader at the camp. “I’ve been in this area flying drones through the obstacle course.”

Banks was one of 100 kids signed up to participate in the event, which was organized by the Prison Fellowship. She was connected to the non-profit organization’s Angel Tree program in 2017 when her dad was incarcerated.

“He signed her up during the Christmas program and every year they would come and ask me what she wants,” said Tonette Hensley, Talia’s mother. “It really helped a lot.”

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April is designated as second chance month and Karen Lopez, the senior director of church partnerships for the Prison Fellowship, said they are working in cities across the country on advocacy and partnering with local churches to support families and break the cycle of incarceration.

“Prison Fellowship is the nation’s largest non profit serving the incarcerated and their families,” Lopez said. “Today, they get to do robotics and drones and music production and just spark curiosity so, they can realize there is so much more they can do with their lives and help change the path.”

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