Frequently Asked Questions About Workcamp
- What is Workcamp?
- When is Workcamp?
- Who goes on Workcamp trips?
- I am only in 7th grade this year, but I really want to go on Workcamp. Is there a way I can be involved?
- Where are we going?
- How will we get there?
- How many people can go?
- What will we be doing at Workcamp?
- Where will we stay?
- How much does it cost?
- How will we raise the money to go?
- What if we fundraise more than we need?
- What commitments do Workcampers need to make for between now and the trip?
- What commitments do the parents of Workcampers need to make for between now and when we go?
- What will we be doing at Workcamp meetings?
- Who should I talk to if I have more questions?
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Workcamp is a mission trip, where youth serve by completing basic home repairs, painting, and minor construction at no cost to elderly, disabled or disadvantaged residents. The home repairs are the kinds of projects that a team of youth can easily manage under the supervision of adult sponsors who guide the work. The focus is growing the group’s faith through meaningful service to others.
This year’s Workcamp will be Sunday, June 19- Saturday, June 25. These are the dates of the camp; we will leave on the Saturday before (June 18).
3) Who goes on Workcamp trips?
To go on the trip you must be at least a freshman in high school the school year before the trip (as of September 2015) and be at least age 14 by the time of the trip.
The Workcamp group in 2015 was made up of 3 adult leaders and 11 students representing five different area schools, public and private alike. Over the past 8 years, we have had over 12 different area high schools represented on Workcamp trips.
4) I am only in 7th grade this year, but I really want to go on Workcamp. Is there a way I can be involved?
Sorry, but the company that organizes the camp makes it available only to those age 14 & up.
The 2016 Workcamp trip is to Racine, WI.
Adult leaders will drive rented vehicles. We will leave Saturday morning, and drive to Wisconsin Dells and will spend the day in the waterpark. We will say in a hotel on Saturday night in Madison, WI before going to Mass in Racine, WI and checking in to camp Sunday morning.
We have reserved 21 spots (15 students, 6 adults) with Group Workcamp, for campers and adult leaders. We can add spots as necessary if there is a demand, as long as the camp is not full. Registrations will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your spot will be reserved for you once you have completed the registration form, and submitted your $150 deposit. Click here for the Registration form!
8) What will we be doing at Workcamp?
There are 3 elements to Workcamp: Service, Worship and Fellowship.
- The service element is lived out through our work doing small home repairs for those who are in need of our help. This includes painting (interior and\or exterior) and minor construction.
- The worship element is lived out during different programs during the week. There will be an evening program each night for the whole camp, which will involve prayer, song and fun. Our St. Peter’s group will also meet each night for our own devotions.
- The fellowship element is lived out daily with all the friendships that are made and those that are furthered. Workcamp is a time of great togetherness and friendship.
When at Workcamp, we will stay at a local school. We will use classrooms for sleeping and the cafeteria for eating. Food is provided as part of the fee we pay to Group Workcamps. Participants should bring air mattresses and sleeping bags. There will be separate sleeping quarters for males and females. Locker room facilities will be available for showering.
- There is a $150 deposit that is required to hold your spot at the time of registration.
- Cost to campers will be $1,150. This cost can be offset by participating in fundraisers throughout the year.
- There is no cost to our adult chaperones to go to Workcamp.
- All campers will also need to bring tools to camp, and some additional spending money.
11) How will we raise the money to go?
There will be numerous fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds for our trip, varying from a pancake breakfast and Lenten pasta dinner to a carwash. Workcampers are expected to participate in these as much as possible and will only receive funds from each fundraiser they participate in.
12) What if we fundraise more than we need?
We will leave that money in our Workcamp account, to help with expenses and potential shortfalls in the coming years.
13) What commitments do Workcampers need to make for between now and the trip?
You are committing to be an active member of the group and participate fully in as many events as you can. This includes fundraisers and social events.
14) What commitments do the parents of Workcampers need to make for between now and when we go?
Parents are committing to helping the leaders to organize and run fundraisers and social events. Parents may be asked to help with grocery shopping, selling, transportation, etc… We also ask for each parent to help coordinate one fundraiser during the year. Parents are also asked to make a financial commitment to cover any costs for Workcamp that are not covered through fundraising.
15) What will we be doing at Workcamp meetings?
These will be a time to plan fundraisers, discuss issues that have come up, build community and disseminate information regarding the trip and our preparation.
16) Who should I talk to if I have more questions?
You can talk to Elizabeth McCanna, trip leader and Youth Coordinator at the Church of St. Peter. Elizabeth can be reached at (651) 905-4312 or emccana@stpetersmendota.org.
