Diocesan WorkCamp: June 21-27, 2008
Applications
WorkCamp application is due on December 3rd, with check and separate letter. If trips fill up, applications will be considered in the order received. Applications may be mailed or turned in to the parish office 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
Overview of Arlington Diocesan WorkCamp
When: Saturday, June 21st to Friday, June 27th 2008
- Sunday: Team building exercises, get to know your crew.
- Monday through Thursday are full work days (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Each work crew contains youth from five different parishes, in addition to an adult leader and a contractor.
- After a welcome reception and lunch with the residents on Friday, June 27th we will depart at 2pm. And arrive back home for our welcome home party.
- The crews conduct basic home repairs - painting, drywall, roofing, building wheelchair ramps, and indoor and outdoor clean-up.
- Each evening there are programs for all participants, including many discussion and faith-forming activities. Eucharist, prayer, and fellowship are all integral parts of WorkCamp.
Where: Orange, Virginia. The group will be based out of a local school.
- Sleeping quarters are divided with girls/women in one wing and boys/men in another. Accommodations are “deluxe” classrooms with a place to roll out your sleeping bag. Breakfast and dinner is served at Home Base daily and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are eaten for lunch.
Responsibilities of WorkCamp Participants
- Complete and return paperwork and fees in a timely manner.
- Participate in the planning/preparation meetings and fundraising activities.
- Work to create a sense of community with all those attending from our parish.
- Obtain the necessary tools to be used during the WorkCamp week.
- During WorkCamp, follow the guidelines and procedures.
- After WorkCamp write a reflection essay on the experience and possibly speak at a Sunday Mass about your experience.
- You must attend the entire week of WorkCamp. You may not arrive late or leave early.
Selection of Participants
Participants will be chosen based on these criteria:
- Applications, which are due by December 3rd. Wait list will form based on date application and check are received
- Ability to attend all the required preparation (see next page for schedule)
- Must be actively involved in the Parish, whether in youth ministry or otherwise
- Demonstrate an appropriate maturity level and ability to work in a group.
Payment
It costs $450 to take one teen to WorkCamp, without counting the costs of supplies, transportation or other expenses. $150 is due for each teen as a participant cost at the time of the application. As a group, we will fundraise the rest of the amount that we need, and everyone is expected to fully participate in both individual and team efforts.
Most of the participant fee goes into purchasing the materials for the home repairs. It also pays for meals, program activities, speakers and accommodations.
WorkCamp 2008 Meeting Schedule
WorkCamp participants will meet on the following dates. Parents are invited to attend. It is mandatory for WorkCamp participants to attend. (youth and adult leaders) All meetings are MANDATORY. (Serious excuses will be considered). If you cannot attend a meeting you must contact Debbie in advance at (703) 220-8864 or via email at melia05@verizon.net.
Teens and adults will cooperate to lead meetings, each participant will have a hand in organizing at least one preparation meeting.
Unless otherwise announced, meetings will be at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Jan 6 - Initial Organizational Meeting
- Jan 27 - Commitment to the Team
- Feb 24 - Servanthood - Social Justice/Social Action
- Mar 30 - Spirituality & Confidentiality
- Apr 27 - What to Bring & How to Pack
- May 18 - Tools & Safety Issues (extended event, time TBA)
- Jun 18 - (Wednesday) Tying It All Together
- June 21-27 - WorkCamp, Orange VA
Topics listed are the main, but not only, subjects of the night. Every meeting will include prayer and community building aspects, among others.
If you have questions, concerns, or emergencies preventing your attendance, contact: WorkCamp Stakeholder Debbie Melia: (703) 220-8864  melia05@verizon.net, or OLOH Youth Minister Ed Rogers: (703) 433-6772 OLHyouth@yahoo.com.
Adult Volunteers Information
There are additional important dates for ADULT leaders who will be present during the actual week of WorkCamp. If you can’t attend all the meetings as an adult you can still participate in WorkCamp - but you must attend the MANDATORY JUNE 7TH MTG.
- Wednesday, November 14th, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - St. Ann Parish Hall; DINNER and meeting
- Thursday, February 28th, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax; prayer & meeting. St. Mary of Sorrows is located at 5222 Sideburn Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032
- Thursday March 27th, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax, DINNER and meeting
- Saturday, June 7th, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Mandatory Adult Training Day. Location to be determined. All adults except contractors
- Monday, June 9th, 7:00 p.m. - CONTRACTOR TRAINING MEETING - Location to be determined
Adult participation is vital to the success of WorkCamp. Without adult involvement Workcamp won’t work! Please prayerfully consider becoming involved with the team. You will be glad you did and your teen will too! We ask you to be involved in one of the following ways.
Adult Opportunities/Workcamp
- Adult Leader (participate in all preparation for Workcamp, lead a workcrew that week)
- Volunteering as a contractor - work days Monday -Thursday. (Can sleep in hotel if preferred or at the school)
- Security - One afternoon/early evening of security at camp
- Nurse - always needed, day and evening positions available
- Organizing or running fundraising opportunities
- Administrative help: Copies etc.
- Organizing the Mother’s Day Flower Sales
- Hosting the WorkCamp return home party on June 27th (early evening)
- Purchasing Supplies for Workcamp
- Assembling peanut butter and jelly lunches
- Designing/ordering parish t-shirts
- Set Up/Take /Down of Home Base in Orange County
- Kitchen Crew at WorkCamp
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