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Reflections 2008
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“I went to this camp in order to grow spiritually and to help those
with less resources than I. At camp, we had specific crews of 5 people
that worked on a home. We had one chance to get to know our crews and
bond spiritually with them and our resident. I got to know my crew
extremely well and we always assisted each other with tasks. We learned
how to be great team mates and we developed lifelong skills. If we saw
a fellow crew member that needed help with a task, we would eagerly jump
to their side. Through Workcamp, strong bonds were made and quality
friendships were created. Every night we had an evening program that
helped us grow spiritually. By incorporating this into the schedule, I
was able to become closer to God and my faith. I was able to learn hoe
to “Love Out Loud” (which was the theme of the camp). Overall, I had a
wonderful experience helping others, gaining quality friendships, and
growing spiritually. ” ---
Olivia Jaeger |
“Workcamp this year was another great one. As an adult it’s like a
mini retreat; it’s not just for kids. The feeling you get after
spending a week with 400 kids, watching them grow spiritually as well as
seeing them help their resident is hard to explain. You have to see it
to believe what happens to them during the week period of time. At the
close of Friday's evening program with our residence, she stopped on
her way out the door to watch the kids singing and dancing a Christian
song- she said ”Look God is truly at work here tonight.” This year's
theme was Love out Loud – teaching everyone there how to take Risks,
learn to Serve, watching it Multiply, knowing that God
Forgives, and bringing it here so it can Last with each one
of us.” ---Chris
Brock
(adult Leader) |
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"I had the privilege to attend Workcamp this year as a leader
after attending twice previously as a youth. The experience was
different but very similar to how it felt as a youth. I was amazed at
how the fun and energy didn’t care who was an adult or youth, everyone
came together as peers to serve, discuss and worship. I will be forever
thankful and appreciative for the truly good youths out there. I will
continue to try to serve in God’s name and myself and help others who
wish to do so too”—Jon
Schneider
(adult leader) |
“Workcamp is one of my favorite things in the world. I love how
hundreds of teenagers come from all over the country to help people we
do not know. The atmosphere at workcamp is different than anywhere
else. Everyone is themselves and are so open to others no matter wether
they are strangers or old friends. My crew this year was AMAZING. I
got so close to a few people and it felt like I’d know them for months
instead of only a week. I meet some of the most amazing people that I
will never forget. I love all of the songs we sing and the enthusiasm
we have to worship God. The Thursday program touched me more profoundly
Than I thought was possible. God’s forgiveness is awesome. A boy named
Justin that I never met previously comforted me and prayed for me as I
cried in one of my best friends arms. Away from workcamp this year, I
am a changed person. I was so blest to be able to come this year, and I
can not wait to to go next year. ‘Love out love!”.
” ---Sarah
Mlsna |
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“This is my third workcamp with Group Workcamps and the experience
never ceases to amaze me. The Thursday night program of Reflection and
Forgiveness is and always will be the most touching part of the camp.
After hearing the story about Jesus not casting stones at the woman who
sinned, all the campers are welcome to reflect to music. This night
touched me every year, because it reminds me that God is so powerful, so
awesome, that he will always forgive me. I know that, no matter what,
God will be there to forgive me, and he understands what I am going
through. During this program, it’s emotionally tough watching my
friends break down and cry. Overall, after the program, I feel
completely pure and freed from sins. It’s awesome. Thank you for all
of your support, it means so much.” ---Alison Markey |
“I love Jesus more than anything else. The experience is so great
what I pulled out of the mission trip is remarkable. Going to this
workcamp is better that going to church for 10 years.” ---Michael
Ritchie
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Faith-Building
Group Workcamps build teenagers’ faith. That’s why Workcamps
are the premier summer missions experience for church youth groups. Since
their inception in 1977, Workcamps have brought more than 200,000 teenagers
and their adult sponsors to hundreds of communities across North America and
beyond to help needy families rebuild their homes—and lives. Workcamps are
the ultimate expression of Christian service, offering your students a fun,
challenging, and faith-growing adventure they’ll never forget.
Over the years, Group has developed a unique program that places the
emphasis not on evangelism, but rather on helping your kids mature in their
faith through volunteer community service. That’s where the spiritual growth
starts. Then, with devotions and programs guiding the week, young people
often discover a deeper faith that lasts a lifetime.
Yet, there’s more to Group Workcamps. As teenagers build a wheelchair
ramp, apply a fresh coat of paint, repair a broken window, or mend a leaky
roof, they’ll also have the opportunity to:
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Provide a needed community service to people whose lives
are different from their own.
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Develop character-building qualities, including an
attitude of servanthood and an appreciation for
the value of sacrifice.
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Experience new places, cultures and situations that take
them outside their comfort zone.
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Make new friends from church groups across the country.
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Develop closer relationships with their youth group
peers, returning home with a new sense of
unity, understanding, and respect for each other.
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Fulfill community service requirements needed for
graduation in many school districts.
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Participate in interdenominational devotions and an
awesome worship program each evening that
caps the day’s activities and puts the whole Workcamp into perspective.
It all adds up to an incredible week of learning, growth, and great
times.
Life-Changing
You don’t have to go overseas for an awesome missions experience—the
mission field is right here in our own backyard! In fact, Group Workcamps
are often within one or two days’ journey of your church. And in just one
week, aside from experiencing major spiritual growth, you’ll see your kids
develop character-building qualities, including an attitude of servanthood
and an appreciation for the value of sacrifice. It’s what keeps churches
coming back to Group Workcamps year after year.
Many of the needy families you’ll serve often have to choose between putting
food on the table or fixing a leaky roof. They simply can’t afford the minor
repairs their aging homes need, or they’re not physically able to tackle
such repair projects. Others have seen their homes damaged by natural
disasters and simply need some assistance to repair their homes and get back
on their feet. Whatever a family’s circumstances, you’ll be giving them a
chance to see faith in action. You will provide a needed community service
to people whose lives are different from your own, having an opportunity to
experience firsthand the rewarding impact of sharing your Christian faith
through your actions.
St. Dominic has participated in Group Workcamps throughout the United
States; from Neodesha, KS to Mifflinburg, PA to Savannah, GA.
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