Back in 2004, I told a lot of you, that I knew at the time, about a trip I went on for an organization called Group Work Camps. I went with a woman from our church and her church group from North Carolina. I was an adult chaperone on the trip. If you remember what I am talking about, and if you know me well enough, you'll recall that this was an amazing experience!
Well, now I get to do it again! This time, though, I am on the volunteer staff and will be working in the office at the camp. It will be in Lead, South Dakota from June 14-20! I applied for the position and was accepted yesterday afternoon!
Granted, now, I have a lot of preparation between now and June, stuff I have to read, things I need to buy between now and then, etc. I can't wait, though, June can't come fast enough! I praise God for this opportunity.
Let me briefly explain Group Work Camps. It is run by the Christian company Group Publishing, hence the word Group in the name. Well, it also has to do with the small groups that i am about to describe, too.
Over the summer, in various chosen locations, about 400 teens (13-17) show up and, while living on the campus of a school or college, work on homes in the community. They break up into groups of up to six people and focus on one house for an entire week, getting to know the people living there while they do things like build or fix wooden stair railings, paint, re-shingle roofs, or any number of things the person isn't able to do because of either age, disability or financial status. The group members eat lunch and do devotions that they share with the people they're serving (if they wish).
In the evening, the whole large group attends a presentation of music and other things that have a message tied to the theme. Then the church youth groups break off and have evening devotions.
When I said they live at a school, I mean literally. Sleeping on gym floors, dining in the cafeteria, etc. This is no cozy experience. The days are long, exhausting, and the nights are short. In the end, though, it is incredibly worth it.
So, if you hear reports of me bouncing off the ceiling, now you know why. LOL! I am so excited I can't contain it!
Well, now I get to do it again! This time, though, I am on the volunteer staff and will be working in the office at the camp. It will be in Lead, South Dakota from June 14-20! I applied for the position and was accepted yesterday afternoon!
Granted, now, I have a lot of preparation between now and June, stuff I have to read, things I need to buy between now and then, etc. I can't wait, though, June can't come fast enough! I praise God for this opportunity.
Let me briefly explain Group Work Camps. It is run by the Christian company Group Publishing, hence the word Group in the name. Well, it also has to do with the small groups that i am about to describe, too.
Over the summer, in various chosen locations, about 400 teens (13-17) show up and, while living on the campus of a school or college, work on homes in the community. They break up into groups of up to six people and focus on one house for an entire week, getting to know the people living there while they do things like build or fix wooden stair railings, paint, re-shingle roofs, or any number of things the person isn't able to do because of either age, disability or financial status. The group members eat lunch and do devotions that they share with the people they're serving (if they wish).
In the evening, the whole large group attends a presentation of music and other things that have a message tied to the theme. Then the church youth groups break off and have evening devotions.
When I said they live at a school, I mean literally. Sleeping on gym floors, dining in the cafeteria, etc. This is no cozy experience. The days are long, exhausting, and the nights are short. In the end, though, it is incredibly worth it.
So, if you hear reports of me bouncing off the ceiling, now you know why. LOL! I am so excited I can't contain it!
