WHAT'S IT LIKE?

 

Your group will arrive at the school on the opening day of camp in the afternoon sometime between 12:00-2:30.  You will probably be tired from traveling, but filled with anticipation for the week ahead.

 

First you will get situated in your sleeping quarters (a classroom) with your own group.  Then an afternoon program filled with Mass, group mixers, singing, a video, and more that will start this great week together.

 

The orientation program starts promptly at 3:00 p.m.  It's very important that you be here before that time since we cannot begin the program until all campers have arrived.

 

What Will Workcamp Offer Young People?

What Will Workcamp Offer Adult Leaders?

Read Testimonies From Past Workcampers

 

You will be divided into seven member work crews.  Each group will have an adult leader.  We will do our best to balance males and females, and experienced and inexperienced people on each crew.  You will spend time going over work assignments for the coming week.  Crews work best when they discuss problems and make decisions together.

 

Being in work crews with people from different Catholic youth groups will give you an opportunity to meet other teenagers and develop new lasting friendships.  For many, your work crew will be the most memorable part of the Workcamp.

 

You will begin the day with breakfast at 6:45 a.m.  Work crews usually leave for their worksites by 8:15 a.m. and return to the school by 3:30 p.m.  Each day you will spend time working at your assigned site.  You'll be involved in one or more of the following work projects: 

 

 

 

 

  • painting

  • yard work

  • indoor/outdoor clean-up
  • home maintenance and repair on existing homes
  • neighborhood revitalization
  • helping with children at daycare centers/boys and girls clubs for low income families
  • helping at centers that distribute food to the needy
  • restoring hope to those who have none

You will also have time for lunch, sharing and reflection during devotions on what it means to be a servant.

After returning from your worksite, you will have an opportunity to get cleaned up and enjoy some free time.  You might play some pickup games (basketball, volleyball, football, etc.), write postcards, take a nap or talk with your new and old friends.

Dinner will be from 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., with some free time to follow.  The evening programs will be filled with activities, music, skits, videos, slides of the work day, testimonies from teens, motivational speakers and prayer.  You will not be bored by any means! Each night will be different and special.  There will be a opening and closing Mass with Daily Masses being offered throughout the week.
 

 

These evening programs will inspire you to continue serving the next day and renew your commitment to God.  Each camp has a free day scheduled for groups to goof off and have fun seeing the sights of the host city.  You and your group can choose to go to any of the area attractions.  This well-deserved break will be an opportunity for fun and community building with your own youth group.  The closing activities on the morning of the free day will wrap up a wonderful week at the Catholic HEART Workcamp.  You will feel proud of the hard work you've done during the week and look forward to new opportunities to serve back home.