From the eyes of an adult volunteer...

Awesome…there is no other more appropriate term than that to describe a Group Workcamp. Though, it does have to be experienced to be fully understood. Camp is a week of non-stop immersion into yourself through the eyes of many, mostly the kids, and get ready for this…they want you there! The thing is you have to be a little more open, a little more sharing, a little less inhibited and a LOT more active.

You can't come away from camp without an elevated respect for these young people and what they can do, who they are and the depth of their faith. So many things happen at camp that you can't take it all in…but to experience the power of Christ being unleashed in lives of young adults is again, Awesome. The work that is done for residents is indeed, amazing, but even the residents see past the physical aspects of the work and just see God's love through these kids. As my resident said, "I am glad you're here to fix my house but I wouldn't care if it got done because these young people have done more for my heart."

Dave R. Adult Leader, Morris, MN 2010

 

I stepped out of my box and became a leader...

Each year at Workcamp I've always experienced a different way of growing closer to God. This year my Workcamp crew and resident were amazing and we all grew close and built strong relationships throughout the week. But the thing that was really different this year though was my leadership role in the daily devotions. I'm usually not too open about leading prayers or sharing what is on my heart. When I took that risk as a leader I really felt I was helping younger campers have the same amazing experience I've had year after year. One of my favorite parts was hearing people open themselves up to God, it was amazing to see people my age completely change in that one week and I was able to have a part in that!

 Sarah M. Youth Camper

I will be able to stay strong in my faith going off to college next year...

As a graduating senior, this last year was my final Workcamp. Looking back at the past four years I have no regrets about giving up a week every summer to serve people in need. The chance to grow in my faith was definitely worth my time, and each year has been so different. This year was no exception...

Our theme at camp for the week was "Undeserved" - and it was perfect for me this year. The daily themes focused on how our friends, family and faith affect our future. Since I'm going off to college next year what I learned during the program at camp will really help me keep strong in my faith next year.

Matt K. Youth Camper, Wyoming 2010

If the whole world was like Workcamp, I would be the happiest person alive...

This was my third year at a Group Workcamp so I thought I knew exactly what I was getting into…but this time, my Workcamp experience was very different. This year, I grew tremendously in my faith and in my relationship with Jesus.

A Workcamp is way more than just a week of hard work. I love being surrounded by so many other young people that have the desire to help others and grow in their faith. At a Workcamp, everyone is positive and encouraging. They all seem to have great values and, best of all, people don't judge each other. Everyone is open to making new friendships.

That's why Workcamp is one of the only places I am truly myself.  Other times I struggle to figure out who I really am but now...

…Now I realize that I am a Christian and I want to live a Christian life, no matter what others may think. At this camp I realized that I am not alone in my struggles and it feels good to see so many others teenagers who have the same hunger for faith.

I am not even questioning a mission trip next year…in fact I will probably go on both trips with our church. If the whole world was like Workcamp I would be the happiest person alive. Thank you for letting me share my story: I wish everyone could have this life changing experience at some point in their life. It is incredible!

Maddie B. Youth Camper, Ohio 2009

God's love spreading throughout the young people of America...

This year's Group Workcamp was the very first one I have attended. I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations in many ways. When I first arrived to where we were staying I was friends with four people. I had heard these Workcamps were amazing but wasn't positive it would be the experience others built it up to be.

We were assigned to build railings for a front porch and back porch as well as scrape mold off of one side of the house. I was kind of nervous to see how things would work out since this was a big project...

So the week went by and I found my worksite with less mold, with two beautiful railings and even part of a sidewalk fixed with new concrete. Our resident living at the house, Marcella, was a small but incredible person. At first she showed us her amazing beading and one day she joined us for devotions after lunch. As we were closing in prayer she added some last thoughts and it was probably the most inspiring thing I've ever heard. She talked about how she could feel God's love and see it spreading throughout the young people of America. The next 4 minutes were too powerful to put into words. The love and gratefulness she had was so pure and intense. Later on when we gave her a quilt as a gift she said, "Now I just don't know what to do about you all!"

Through the entire week, I saw myself gaining confidence in faith and myself. I saw myself in a great group of friends from church and out of state people. There is so much more to a Workcamp than what people can describe. The singing, the programs, the dorms, the sites, everything was more than I expected.  In the end, I find that the lessons they taught us: risk, serve, forgive, multiply, last are all aspects that add up to our ultimate goal- to Love out Loud! Dear children, let us not merely say that we love each other. Let us show the truth through our actions. 1 John 3:18

Sam B. Youth Camper, Oklahoma 2008

From scared, shy, nervous to confident, excited and refreshed...

Wow, what a week! The Workcamp I attended in Morris, MN really changed my life. I went into this week scared, shy, sad and nervous. Being my first Workcamp I didn't know what to expect. By the end of the week I felt confident, excited, refreshed mentally and happy. I met a lot of amazing people this week, including my crew. The most amazing person I met though was our resident Janette. She is an elderly lady who kept her house up as well as she could but it was in need of paint. Our crew scraped, primed and painted Janette's house and shed. She was so grateful for all we did, which made all our hard work worth it. Janette loved to talk and therefore when I went into her house to wash my hands, I would come out 20 minutes later. That's what I love about her! When I gave her the quilt that our women's group had made she was overjoyed. She gave me a huge hug and continued to show her appreciation throughout the week. I also learned about myself this week. I feel now I am closer to God through this experience. God was with me the entire time and always made things work out, even when I wasn't sure they would. I missed my family but my dad also came on this trip as an adult leader. It was awesome to watch him grow with me on this trip. He also loved his crew and connected with God in a way he never had before. Overall this was one of the best weeks of my life. It changed me forever...

Tiffany R. Youth Camper at Morris, MN

A week of fun & refreshment covered in primer and sawdust...

On a hot day, I enjoy jumping into cold water...The feeling of refreshment and cleanliness is one of the really great and worthwhile moments in life...Workcamp is like this. Increased technology and buzz bring a flow of new ideas and thoughts but less focus on the important things in life. Focus is a term reserved for late night studying and pre-game pep talks. Workcamp is the refreshing water, stream and lake. It provides the focus to allow me to immerse myself in what really matters... Family, friends, faith, the future and God's role in all of that. What resulted was refreshment for the mind and spirit. Ironic that this week of fun and refreshment happens while covered in primer and sawdust.

The friends and bonds that were made are extra strong - as a result of the environment. When you meet people at your site or the evening programs you both know that each other has chosen this experience. You build from there... Doing the devotions and working together, experiencing the joy of your resident or the emotions on Thursday night only strengthens these connections.

Personally Workcamp isn't just really fun. The work on site is challenging and the atmosphere is easy going. You get a lot of time to reflect and think about God - which is very important. Finally, your connection with Jesus grows immensely. To describe in words any more would just limit potential. I recommend Workcamp to all because a normal summer is measured in money earned and hours by the pool. A week with God, on the other hand, is priceless.

-Christian H. Youth Camper at Ethete, WY 2010

 

The greatest moment came from our resident...

My crew this year was amazing. The first day was a little iffy, because no one talked. However, I soon found that I opened up a ton and just told stories about my house, family and friends. By the end of Monday everyone was chatting! The experience only got better throughout the week as we became inseparable, even getting to the evening program early just to hang out together. My crew felt so close and we helped each other a lot. I even convinced one of my new crew friends to conquer her fear of public speaking! While holding my hand, she was able to get up in front of 400 people and talk about our resident. 
The greatest moment came from our resident. Our resident was taking care of his father, who is 94 years old. The son had opened up to us a lot throughout the week, but the father didn't seem to want us there and never smiled. Then, on Friday, he came out and sat on the porch with us and completely opened up to us. He was so honored to have us there and felt God had blessed him to have so many young people come help him. He told us that he knew God had big plans for us, and that nice people become nice adults. He touched our hearts so much and we were so blessed to have him as our resident. Even though it took four days for him to open up I am so glad he did. He was so proud that I am going to college and that I want to be a teacher. My residents made me realize that one of our greatest gifts is listening to God and helping others. That is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

-Lisa V. Youth Camper at Newton, NC 2010