Frequently Asked Questions

What's a typical day at workcamp?
So how many campers work at a site?
Will I be working with other people from DeWitt?
Is this only a Methodist thing or can anybody come?
Do you have to be a certain age?
What about safety?
Are they just going to hand power tools over to the students and let them go?
After I sign up, then we just wait for the workcamp right?
Sounds like fun, but how much does it cost?
Who can I contact to get more information or sign up for Workcamp?

What's a typical day at workcamp?

On the first day, you learn more about the camp, get to know other participants, and if necessary receive important skills training. That afternoon and evening rap up with inspirational programs designed to set the tone for the week. During the week, participants start each day with an early breakfast and usually arrive at their project site by 8:30 a.m. Campers' days will be filled with meaningful work for people in need, and they will take part in moving daily devotions. (The campers take Picnic lunches to the project sites.)

After returning to the school from their day of service around 3:30 p.m., students will have free time for cleaning up, recreation, writing letters, and resting until the evening mealtime. Following dinner is the evening program. Programs are high-impact experiences that involve music, worship, video, drama, stories, slides, and hands-on experiences that get youth of many denominations connecting to God. After the program, there are late-night activities and devotions until “lights out.”

Wednesdays are usually half days for full-week camps and participants have the opportunity to take in the local attractions.

So how many campers work at a site?
Will I be working with other people from DeWitt?

There are usually about 400 campers in the entire workcamp that spread out amongst 50-60 worksites. There are usually 5-6 students and 1-2 adults at each worksite. For a larger job, two work crews may join together to work on one site.

You may be in a work crew with 1-2 other campers from DeWitt, but the organizers try to spread each youth group out so they can meet and get to know new friends from around the country. Don't worry. Even if you're shy, your crew will become like family by the end of the week.

Is this only a Methodist thing or can anybody come?
Do you have to be a certain age?

Anybody who wants to can come! Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, anybody!

Youth ages 12-18 (or entering the 7th grade in the fall of 2007) and adults are eligible to join our crew. We need AT LEAST one (1) adult per five (5) students going.

What about safety?
Are they just going to hand power tools over to the students and let them go?

Safety is a high priority at Group Workcamps. They take careful precautions to provide the safest possible conditions. The following is a list of safety rules they enforce at every Camp:

• All staff is pre-screened with background checks.
• Close adult supervision is built into the Camp program, and youth workers are asked to bring only responsible, service-oriented participants who will commit to working safely and responsibly.
• At least one adult is present at each project site.
• Every project site is checked for safety by Group staff before the camp begins. We avoid sites where firearms, alcohol or drug use/abuse, drug sales, and domestic violence could be a potential problem.
• Safety tips are included on each project site description. Before starting work at a site, a tailgate safety meeting helps identify any potential dangers. Here's the time to spot wasp nests, frayed wires, tripping obstacles, etc.
• Ladder safety training is recommended for all youth groups prior to attending a Workcamp.
• No participant is required to work in a situation if he or she feels unsure or unsafe about doing so. This includes on roofs, ladders, in water, with animals, etc.
• Safety goggles are required in specific situations, like operating power saws or drills, or using particular cleaning supplies.
• Power tools are to be used only under direct adult supervision, even by senior high young people who are experienced in using them.
• Only licensed adult drivers listed by their churches as “designated drivers” are allowed to transport participants to and from project sites.
• Participants are encouraged to drink adequate liquids to stay hydrated.
• Participants are requested to bring protective clothing, shoes, hats, gloves, and sunscreen.
• Local medical facilities and services are identified before the Camp. Directions and phone numbers are provided in first-aid packets to each team in case of emergency.
• First aid kits are sent out with each project team.
• Every participant (adult and youth) must review the Code of Conduct. This promise is designed to set expectations of behavior as we live in a Christian community for a week. The Code of Conduct will be followed or participants may risk being dismissed from the camp. Travel costs to go home will be at the expense of the adult, parent, or guardian.

After I sign up, then we just wait for the workcamp right?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA---- NO.

During the months before the workcamp, there will be fundraisers and group meetings to raise money and prepare for our trip. All workcampers are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED (hint, hint) to attend all of the meetings and help with the fundraisers. Campers will be notified of any meetings or fundraisers that occur.

Sounds like fun, but how much does it cost?

The total cost per camper (adults & students) is $399. Including a $50 initial, non-refundable deposit. We will be offsetting some of the costs for travel and such through budgeted monies. You will be required to raise your own funds for this workcamp. Total cost will be determined by the end of March.

Registration fees cover:

•  lodging at a local school or similar facility
•  all meals, except for the evening meal on the Wednesday half-day of work and any meals while traveling to or from the workcamp
•  construction materials and supplies, and delivery to project sites
•  camp t-shirt for each participant
•  supplemental Group health insurance for the first $100 in eligible expenses
•  inspirational, faith-building and fun evening programs and devotional materials from the youth experts at Group Publishing, Inc.
•  highly trained, mature camp staff

Who can I contact to get more information or sign up for Workcamp?

Contact Ron Bekkering in the Student Ministry Office.