"If they're not responding, it's one of the things we try," said Family Court Judge Charlie Segars-Andrews, who also oversees Charleston County Juvenile Drug Court. "We'll try anything."

Camp Hope, a program offered through St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, is for boys from Christian backgrounds. It provides classes on anger, hope, and other topics in the morning and recreational activities, such as kayaking or climbing, in the afternoon.

Segars-Andrews and Family Court Judge Jocelyn Cate volunteer their time at Camp Hope. They also require parents to receive counseling in conjunction with the program.

Last year, Segars-Andrews began sending juvenile offenders to a weekly Christian Bible study at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, where she is a member. The pastor of the church, Rev. Alan Kilpatrick, a chaplain to the drug court, recommended the program.

"I hope it did them some good," Kilpatrick said. "I hope they got a little glimmer of hope that life can be different."

But sending youthful offenders to religious programs has its critics. Among them is Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who said the programs pose a constitutional issue.

"If essentially the judge is saying 'Go to church camp or go to jail,' that would be a constitutional problem. We don't fund religious conversions in this country," he said. "The trend is to cut secular services at state and federal levels and hope churches take up the slack. Politicians need to realize it's their obligation to solve the problems, not dump the problems on the church. Substituting religion for time-tested, secular services is a real bad idea."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Mike L@Stonehill College on 21 Oct 08 02:19 PM EDT

Sending young drug offenders who don't have summer jobs to a weekly religious camp? Is this a joke? A judge should not have the power to do such a thing. This judge should not have the power to force religion on someone just because they were convicted of a drug offense and don't have a job. The more obvious solution would be to help find them a job. Why don't we look for jobs that might be willing to take them. If no jobs are available how about a non-religious outreach program. On a lighter note I do think it is good that this church program offers counseling programs on anger and hope and other physical activities, but these programs should happen in an environment with a non religious tone unless that offender agrees to one of such. Overall I think this is a terrible idea as one can't force religion on someone. Provide services and impose sanctions, but don't involve the church as a punishment.

Posted by nickm@sc on 20 Nov 08 04:39 PM EST

What ever happened to the clause in the US Constitution which separates church from state. This is absolutely ridiculous, not just because of the religious prejudice involved, but because it doesn't actually help the young drug offender with anything. Going to a church camp will not deter a teen from using drugs, nor will it help them get a job after they are done with the camp. The camp would probably be more of a vacation than a punishment. Instead of church camp, the sanction should either be to find a job or to do community service.

Posted by AshleyC@Stonehill on 02 Dec 08 05:18 PM EST

I believe that this judge is wrongful in sending drug offenders to church camp if they do not have a summer job. I guess I sort of understand the judge's thinking... assuming the judge is sending them to church camp to keep them busy because if they are not busy, they will most likely run into trouble again. However, whatever happened to seperation of church and state? Since when can a sentencing be church camp?? I agree with Mike L... this is absurd! There are several other types of camps and programs that can do good for offenders without involving religion. It seems bizarre that the judge is even allowed to send the offender to church camp... or even so,can't he set the offender up with a regular job (the offenders other option) instead?? I understand that the judge feels that a little faith and some time at camp around good people could possibly do some good for the offender, but I do not believe the judge has the place to make this type of decision. Church and state are seperate and should stay that way!

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