Read Stories
Allie G.
I just got back from a group workcamps in North Id. It was my first workcamp. I was so scared that I was going to be the only person for our youth group but the first night I met my crew I laughed so hard. It was great to meet so many new friends I cried all the way home! I wouldn't have traded it for the world.
Adrienne H.
Participating in the Week of Hope was one of the best experiences I have ever had! I made so many new friends of all ages from 13-99! I learned more about myself and God which helped me make much needed changes in my life. I will never forget this life changing experience!
Alex H.
My first year of Workcamp was last year 2007. We went to Lyons, NY in upstate New York, It was nice! I was very scared at first but I made some best friend's there. There names are Nicole M., Nicole B., and Steve L. They are still my best friend's. They're from New Jersey and I can't wait to see them this summer in North Kinstown, Rhode Island for this year 2008 Workcamp!!! June 29 to July 5.. Yeah!
Amanda
This year was my first year and one of my friends went on it and we became very close on the trip. I can't wait to go back next year and see what kind of job i get. The jobs there that I had was really fun and I was the crew organizer which I enjoyed a lot I hope I can be the devotion leader next year.
Amanda M.
July 15-21 I was at Group Workcamp in Bay St. Louis. The experiences I had down there were absolutely amazing. I accepted God into my life while I was there. I loved the nightly devotions, and activities. They gave us a night to forgive things, and start over, and I have to say I think that almost every person cried. I fell in love with the area and the kindness of the people. My resident was great, and my combined crew of 8 & 9 were amazing and it was weird that out of 7 people from my home group 2 of us got put in those two groups. I would do it all again.
Andrew McDermott - Adult Participant
Our church has been attending Group Workcamp since the mid to late 80's. Each year, no matter who is running it, our Youth Leader asks our students on Friday evening to write a reflection on the week to be published to parents and parishioners of our church. I attended 5 camps as a youth and 2 as an adult leader. This is my 2008 Reflection on Rochester, NY camp and my youth group: There is a reason why people serve, or more fittingly why they choose to serve. Some people might because they have a lot of time on their hands and need to stay occupied, others because they are obligated to for various reason (court probation, their mom signed them up, the need for some precious Senior year community service hours). However, there is a very real and distinct difference between that type of service and the completely selfless service these kids and adults do on this one week. For one week, everyone of the four hundred plus students and adults, give completely of their time and talent to better someone, a complete stranger's life. For one week, hundreds upon hundreds of people stop thinking "me" and start to think "you" in all facets of life. I think I can speak for the majority of people who have served this way, and say that the feeling they get after completing the job, and seeing the expression on that particular persons face after they look at your work, is the reason why people serve. That small moment, when they look over at you, and they don't need to say anything, because you know just by looking at their expression that you made a difference in their life. You contradicted societal norm of "me" and said "how can I help you". With everything we all have to worry about day to day, its refreshing to check one of those colasal tasks off someone else's list. Knowing that every day they look at that deck, wheel chair ramp, or newly painted house, they remember the service that was performed here by strangers out of their love for Jesus Christ, and their eagerness to pay that love forward. There are a few key points that need to be remember about Workcamp and its fundemental principals. First, the residents spend time thanking us for our work when this week is a completely symbiotic relationship. If they hadn't gotten past their pride and said, "Yes, I can't do this on my own and I need help" then we wouldn't have the opportunity to serve. Secondly, service comes in many different opportunites on a day to day basis. The hardest thing to do is take the feeling and things you learn at a week like Workcamp and apply them to your everyday life. I tried especially hard this week in Rochester, to drive that point home in male devotions. The key to keep the flame of the Workcamp spirit in your daily life, is to SERVE, on any level. Picking up dropped papers of someone who is obviously flustered, talking with someone you normally wouldn't because you can tell they are upset or on hard times, helping a complete stranger carry something heavy in a store parking lot (or even offering!!) are types of examples where you would normally go about your business but it is where God calls us to serve daily. Recognize those areas in your life, and you will see God calling you to serve. And you will see that look from the person, on a much smaller scale to be sure, however not in the eyes of Jesus. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 25:35
Anonymous
I attended a Week of Hope. It was my first mission trip with my church. I am the newest member of my youth group, and I didn't really feel accepted into it. After a few nights there, I grew closer to my youth members, and I now know that I am accepted, and I FEEL accepted. But not only did I grow closer to my youth group, I grew closer to God. I am so thankful that he led me to my youth group, and to this mission trip.
Anthony G
This past week I went on a mission trip through this foundation. I can honestly say that is was one of the best experiences of my life. I grew much closer to both God and EVERYONE in my youth group, I made friends with almost every person I came across. I worked the absolute hardest I ever have for free but the end result felt so good that I would do it a hundred times over. The experience you get from this can not be matched by anything I know of. If you want to grow spiritually and help a lot of people along the way this is where you should be.
Ashley S.
So I just finished a week in Denver. Our crew served at an Assisted Living center. Let me tell you, That place was amazing...so was my crew. We made so many memories in the 4 days we served!! I really hope to stay in contact with them all...they were great!
Calvin L.
My story at workcamps this years was wonderful. My resident was really nice and grateful that we were here. My crew was awesome... Austyn, Sam, Red Sox (Ryan), Lindsey, and me! Anyway, our resident Nora was abused as a child and her father was a drunk. She had this house for eighty-two years. I am really emotional. At the high school I as staying at, you could squeeze behind the bleachers. I always cried there. We just got our house finished by the end of the week and my crew and I were exhausted. We got the house done, finally! I moved right before the trip to workcamps but I went on it anyway. It was the last time to see my friends.
