I just want to thank you both for my third year at one of your awesome camps as an adult chaperone. And, in addition, I am now 3 for 3 with my own children that have now had the opportunity to experience the wonderful gift that you created 15 years ago. My youngest child, 13 now joins the rest of my family in our love CHWC.

I can't thank you enough!
Donna Hendrick

I have been home from camp several weeks. And Boy has adjusting to reality been hard. but we all manage to do it. But I have told so many people about CHWC. I think their is defiantly a lot of people who wish they could also experience it. I think it defiantly made me a better person myself. It changes a kid. It was my first year. and an Amazing one at that. There is nothing quite like the experience. Its like I wish the feeling lasted forever. Just being able to get away. Just being able to express and make new friends not from just a first encounter. But I think that actually having to live with people for a week is something that lets you get to know someone and who they are a lot better.
 

I attended Anderson, IN CHWC. And boy was it a memorable one. Let me tell you that My group roomed with people from Dubuque, WI. And it was great getting to know people just in the comfort of what for a week was your room. It was like one big sleepover. and it was a fun one at that. CHWC was about helping other people and knowing other people and learning about other people. I'm glad I got to experience that. It was so countercultural. it just was like some kind of something that you have never been able to experience before and it was nice. I mean coming from a small town you don't see a lot of "different" so its nice. I can't describe how close I got to God. It's just amazing how my spirituality boosted. There is something about CHWC that makes you feel more at home than anything. I'm glad I attended. I truly think as a first year it was life changing. And I think it gave me a real confidence boost especially as a freshman entering the high school. its just great that there are things like CHWC in the world. It Makes good people better. and those people make for a great future of America. And you meet people who change your life. Who have the same interests, and you could just talk to for the rest of your life. because the kind of friendship you form there is the kind of friendship you can't compare to anything ever. because it bloomed out of God's love. and god brought you there for a reason and that reason was to help the community and make friends that will last a lifetime and change your life. I'm proud to say i met a lot of them. and I'm glad I did. Since I got back and have still been talking to people i can't help but to thank god for them. because they are truly amazing people. and the staff had also contributed as great leaders role models and friends. and that is really nice to have the comfort from your superiors. CHWC was amazing and I thank everyone who contributed and attend any camp.

Bless everyone.

Mariah

I was at Greensburg PA this year and all I can say is W.O.W! The week was great- This was my second time- I loved the challenges and the triumphs and I can say that since I have been home I have noticed a shift of at least 2 degrees in me, my son and my husband. Yes all three of us were there and we all thought it was great!

Marcy

As the summer comes to a close, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to parcipate in the Catholic HEART Workcamp. This was my second year as a camper, and I am thankful to have another great experience to share. I am a fifteen year old from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and I participated in the Greensburg, Pennsylvania Workcamp for July 29th through August 3rd. It was fantastic being able to work with so many caring people from across the United States to serve my community and the Lord.

I worked at an elder woman's house in McKeesport, repairing and painting her front porch floor, her yard, and weeding an overgrown pathway. Although my group and I worked in heat and sun, the feeling I received when leaving the worksite each day was fulfilling. The staff members' eager and enthusiastic personalities also channeled over to the campers, keeping us going each early morning. My work provided me with the feeling of purpose. Being able to witness the heartfelt thanks and genuine appreciated from my resident was the best reward of all

Pam Curtin

Dear Brother's and Sister's in the Lord, I am writing to thank you for sending Miss Maggie and the young people from your workcamp. It was a sure blessing for me. I am 60 years old low income, both my husband and I are both physically unable to do the kind of work needed around the house. I had been asking God to help my get things done. When I found out your youth camp workers could help me I was delighted. They polyurethened the wood work through out the house, painted a room, scraped and painted the iron railings out side. Then Miss Maggie the team leader measured and put up the tub surround for me. I was trying to get that done for 4 or 5 years. I could not say enough about Miss Maggie or the team involved. I just know that when God does something he does it perfect. I hope you will continue this program in our area next year. Thank you again. God Bless all of you. I am already looking forward to returning next year!

Emily Zarnick

I had so much fun. I went to the New Orleans Work Camp and the staff were all amazing. They really cared and they all really had a lot of fun with us. I could see that that really wanted us to have a great time. The food was really good. I loved the gumbo, the jumbalaya and the beans and sausage. When we first arrived I had no idea what to expect. I thought that maybe the houses were not damaged as bad and maybe after two years the houses would all be fixed. I was 100% wrong. We saw boarded up houses, homeless people, starving animals and houses with mold, cockroaches, rats and baby rats and crazy people. We ignored all of this and continued to work, sweating so bad that our shirts were drenched, dust stuck to our skin, there were no bathrooms and we had to wear face masks that kind of suffocated us. Plus count the injuries and the complaints but we stuck it through and made a difference. We touched the hearts and lived of amny people. We met some residents that loved what we were doing. I would never expierence such a life changing expierence if it was not for CHWC. I would come back anytime anywhere. So thanks!

Rachel Wells

This year I felt that God was calling me to do a mission trip during the summer. My church had not gone on a mission in several years, so when I heard we were going to New Orleans I was ready to go. I didn't thing I would be able to afford the trip, but everything worked out and I was able to go. I just got back yesterday and I am still on an amazing spiritual high that makes the trip worth every penny spent. The experience was indescribable and it made me realize that I, just one simple person, can truly change the world. Even if it is just one person at a time.

Jessica Albert

I LOVE Catholic Heart Workcamp <3!!!!!!! I have such a great time: meeting new people, having the opportunity to help others and to grow a closer understanding and a relationship with our religion!! Before I used to question everything and when I came to my first workcamp in the summer of 2006 I had a better understanding of what it means to "have a purpose in life". I now look to God for help instead of just talking to my friends and I learned that prayer is the best medicine!! I love this program and I would recommend it to anyone, even if they were not Catholic, because you have an AWESOME time!!!!

To the Anderson, Indiana Campers: YOU ARE THE BEST!!! You brought so much spirit and love to my world last week that I must send out a personal Thank You to all of you. Your dedication blew me away! You were eager and competent to complete any task I threw at you - which was often a tall order. I just want you to know how much of an impact YOU made on this sleepy town. We can't thank you enough. Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Love,

Laura Soverns

Oh. My. Gosh. I had the most amazing time. Seeing as this was my first mission trip ever, I was a little apprehensive at first, but just the first day was a blast for me. I basically lived off of caffiene the whole week because we had to get up so early, but that's okay. The lady we helped out was so kind and sweet. She says we brought her life back since she lost her husband and her kids never call. She kind of brought part of my life back, too, since I have no grandmothers. I will go on as many mission trips as I can. This was a definite WOW experience.

Michelle