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Connect to Jesus One Nail at a Time

Group Workcamps 2010

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The 2010 Group Workcamps catalog.

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Connect to Jesus One Nail at a Time

What you are doing is much more than a service that supplies God’s people with what they need. It issomething that will make many others thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:12)

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“I cannot tell you how much I feel the Lord’s hand on your organization.Watching the promotional DVD brought me to tears each time I’ve watched it. I can see the passion behind Group Workcamps and am excited to say that I want to be a part of it! I want my kids to be a part of it even more! The Group Workcamps brochure just ended up in my church mailbox one day—and from the moment I saw it, I knew I needed to pursue it.”

- Karie Hokanson, Youth Director

Dear Youth Leader,Thanks for considering a Group Workcamps mission trip. You have a lot of options when it comes to the summer with your youth—it’s a privilege to be considered—so let me share why so many youth groups choose a service experience from Group… It’s about connecting both kids and the people you serve to Jesus. Something exciting happens in these unique camps. Your students will step out of their day-to-day life into a place where they put their faith into action. Then with youth-friendly programs and special devotions, kids get challenged, inspired, and their faith deepens. You and your kids will provide much-needed home repairs for people in need. Have no fear. It’s OK to be a home-repair novice. The experience is fun, and you may learn a new skill or two! Group Workcamps are designed to give you an opportunity to spend your time in ministry—not on administration! Over 30 years of camp experience has helped us eliminate the hassles for you. We take care of the details so you can focus on your kids. Youth leaders tell us “it’s easy” to bring a group. All mission trips are not the same. And cost is a major factor in deciding where to send your students. So find out what is and what is not provided in a program’s fees. I’m confident you’ll find Group Workcamps to be a tremendous value. (You might not have known, we also raise funds locally to help defray costs. The actual cost of your camp experience is far greater than the price you pay.) So try us next summer. Get your questions answered. Call a friendly camp advisor at 1.800.385.4545 to see if we’re a fit for your group. In ministry with youth,

Joel FayPresident, Group Workcamps Foundation

P.S. Each year more than 90% (youth and adults alike) report growing closer to God as a result of serving at a Group camp. Let’s work together to help your kids grow! Call a camp advisor!

Table of ContentsWhat’s a Group Workcamp ................... 3

We Take the Fear Out of Missions ........ 4

Ways We Support You .......................... 6

Peru Adventure .................................... 7

Map ..................................................... 8

Grid ..................................................... 9

Transformation Happens ................... 10

What People are Saying about GWF ... 12

FAQs .................................................. 14

Statement of FaithWe believe the Bible is the inspired,

authoritative Word of God. We believe

there is one God, eternally existent in

three persons: Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus

Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless

life, in his death on the cross, in his

bodily resurrection, in his ascension

to the right hand of the Father, and in

his personal return. We believe people

receive forgiveness of sins and eternal

life through a relationship with Jesus.

HistoryIn 1977, church youth groups responded to

the call for help near Loveland, Colorado,

after a flood ravaged the Big Thompson

canyon. Since then, nearly 300,000 youth

and adults have served people in need

at a Group Workcamp or Week of Hope…

living out God’s Word and connecting

to Jesus.

To register for your trip or for more info call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com 3

aS ONE CamPER PuT IT: “SOmETHING CLICkED aND I PuT GOD FIRST.”

What’s a Group Workcamp?

Typical Day Schedule6:45 a.m. Get up (Wakey-Wakey!)

7:00-7:45 a.m. Hot breakfast Gather tools, water, and lunches

8:00 a.m. Morning program Depart to sites after program

3:30 p.m. Return to the lodging facility Report progress on sites Shower time Free time

5:00 pm-6:30 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Evening program

8:45 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Youth group devotions

9:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Free time

11:00 p.m. Lights out

Special TimeSSunday12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Arrive/check-in

3:00 p.m. Welcome program

7:00 p.m. Evening program

WedneSday12:30 p.m. Afternoon free with youth group to explore community & dinner on your own

7:30 p.m. Evening program

SaTurday7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Breakfast Pack up and head out

Group Workcamp trips let your group see how God uses the experi-ence of serving others to change lives—in both you and the people you serve.

400 or so young people take a week during the summer to help others by using their hands to perform meaningful home repairs. And God uses his hand to touch their hearts.

They arrive curious. Energized. Maybe a little intimidated. But soon they’re repairing a sagging porch, painting a house, building a wheelchair ramp, or mending a leaking roof…and having the time of their lives! They’re meeting new people, hearing new stories, and telling their own. They sweat together, eat together, and worship together.

And a transformation takes place. Not only in the lives and neigh-borhoods of the people they are serving. A transformation takes place in them.

Quick description:• A 6-day home repair experience• Up to 400 participants per trip• Trips for ages 12 to 20 (junior/senior high combo)• Trips for ages 14 to 20 (senior high)• We handle the logistics and details (including cooking andcleaning!) so you and your youth group can focus on growingin your faith

You’ll tackle projects like:• Interior and exterior painting• Building or repairing porches and wheelchair ramps• Roofing and trailer skirting• Building or repairing steps• Light window and door weatherizing

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)

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We sweat the details.To make your mission trip the best it can be, wehave a team of people who work hard to take careof the details. From food and lodging to projectpreparation, we visit each project site to make surethey are ready for you to serve. We make it easy foryou, so you can concentrate on the most importantthing—spending time with your young people!

Your youth will connect to Jesus.Stretching your kids out of their “comfort zones”deepens their connection to Jesus. By beingchallenged, they learn quickly to look to their faithto see them through. You’ll see how God uses theexperience of serving others to change lives—inboth you and the people you serve. And when youcombine meaningful service with daily devotionsand powerful, interactive programs, you open eyesand hearts to real growth. Each year, over 90% of campers report growing closer to God! You’ll value core Christian messages.If it feels scary to take your kids to an event with other churches—relax. We serve all denominations. The “faith” content focuses on core Christian beliefs. And if your kids have questions, great! It can be a powerful teachable moment for you to talk with your youth about their faith…and about your church’s faith traditions, too. You’ll see God at work.

You can trust our staff.Our leaders are well-trained and passionate abouthelping you help your youth connect to Jesus. Our staff are prescreened with national background checks. Many have been working with us for years, and they keep coming back because they love the program and have a desire to serve you and your students.

You get more for your money.All service mission trips are not created equal. Compare us to others. Look closely at what you get—and don’t get—when comparing costs of various camps. You’ll find that with 30+ years of experience, we figured out how to juggle mission trip logistics like no other. And, if you’re looking for a more “concrete” list of what’s included in your registration fee…check out the FAQs on page 14 (first question).

Our daily programs work.Our innovative and interactive programs arecarefully designed for kids by the youth ministry experts of Group Publishing and Simply Youth Ministry. Plus, they’re field-tested with real, live youth and youth workers. You won’t hear a traditional sermon, but your group will experience a memorable Jesus-centered message that captures the hearts and minds of students without manipulation.

We Take the Fear Out of missions.

What makes a Group Workcamp different?

To register for your trip or for more info call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com 5

TEENS aRE aFFIRmED aND ENCOuRaGED.

Safety Is a PrioritySafety first. Always. Period. We’re committed toencouraging camper safety throughout the entiremission trip. We work meticulously to provide a ministryenvironment where young people can serve and connect toJesus without distractions.

Here’s just a few safety steps you have working for you, when you serve with us: • Campstaffarewellscreened.Manyhaveservedwithus for years. Just to be safe, we get references and national background checks on all our staff.

• Campersaretaughttousethepropersafetyequipment. Safety videos are shown to educate participants on project site safety.

• Muchofourstafftrainingfocusesonmakingasafecamp for everyone (Each trip includes staff who are first aid and CPR certified).

• TailgatesafetychecksareconductedateveryWorkcamp project site and Site Coaches roam from site to site to help out when needed and to verify that all efforts are being made to “keep it safe.”

• Everyprojectteamof5or6includesatleast1or2 adults.

• Alladultparticipants(21+yearsofage)havetoprovide verification they passed a national criminal background check, too!

• Localmedicalfacilitiesareidentifiedaheadoftimewith directions and phone numbers provided to participants. • The“CodeofConduct”(forbothyouthandadults)helps everyone understand how to get along together in a safe way—to make it an awesome camp experience!

There’s more…much more! We just don’t have the space to cover it all here. We believe a great camp starts with a safe camp.

Your group will touch lives.We work diligently to identify people with genuine needs, and prepare them for your arrival. Your meaningful Christian service is at no expense to the people you are serving. You’ll make a powerful difference in the lives of people in need…touching them with God’s love.

Your students will make new friends.Your youth will get to know other people from different backgrounds, regions, and denominations…it’s a lot of FUN! They’ll bond with those they serve, as well as the people they serve with (including you, of course).

We have a proven track record.With over 30 years of service mission experience, we’ve discovered how to make your adventure stress-free, ministry-packed, and life-changing. Try us! Join the thousands of churches that value this powerful mission experience.

“I went to my first workcamp this year. It wasamazing. I met so many new people and had so much fun. I really got to talk and get to know my resident. I reallyrecommend this to any who are thinking about going and are on the fence about your decision.”

- Tony M., youth participant

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he laydown his life for his friends. (John 15:12)

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Camp advisor TeamYou can trust your advisor to help you find thebest camp for your group—and to provide greatinsight into how to prepare your team for the trip.They walk with you from selecting a camp tofollowing up after your trip to see if there’s anything we can do better.

Registration TeamNo one is more concerned about whether you feelprepared for camp than your Registration Team!They’re here to answer any questions you mayhave about your trip, handle any special situationsthat you may have including dietary needs of yourgroup, help you finalize your reservation numbers,and talk you through filling out your forms. This isall in addition to taking any payments and providing detailed leader manuals to make your trip a complete success.

Ease of CommunicationWe do our best to be available whenever you needus. You can reach us toll-free by telephone or e-mailMonday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (MST) and you canalways make registrations and payments on ourwebsite at any time, any day (24/7).

Devotions (before, during, and after camp)Each year we develop a unique Scripture-basedtheme for your mission experience. You getdevotions to maximize the impact of themeaningful service you’re providing and connect itto your faith! Fund RaisingWe picked the brains of our youth leader friends and collected some of the best fund-raising activities…including “no church required” ideas! In addition, we recognize that gathering funds for your group’s trip can be a tremendous challenge, so we’ve come up with some ways to help make it easier for you: use FundiT free: It’s a new online fund-raising tool to promote your trip, organize your group’s efforts, track funds donated, and raise more money! This easy, free service for our registered groups allows you access to e-mail/letter templates and personal goal tracking of all your fund-raising activities!

meeting PlansWe also give you creative youth group meetings onrelated topics, including: the importance of servicefor youth, meetings for parents to help gather theirsupport, setting proper expectations for everyonegoing on the mission, and a useful guide forpresenting your mission trip to the leadership ofyour church.

Here are some of the ways

we support you... It’s our job to provide you so much more than a weeklong mission trip for you and your group…

We’re here to assist you as you select the trip that’s right for your group, prepare your youth and adults for a meaningful week of service, and help you get the support you need so you can relax and focus on connecting your group to Jesus!

8 Group Workcamps exist as part of the Group Workcamps Foundation—a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides dynamic short-term mission trips for church youth groups, domestically and internationally.

To register for your trip call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com

Valdosta, GA Savannah, GA

Kingstree, SC

Wilmington, NC

Newton, NC

Dunmore, WVMontgomery, WV

China Grove, NC

Red Lake, MN

Morris, MN

Racine, WI

Centralia, IL

Rushville, IL

Midland, MI

Miffinburg, PANew Castle, PA

Clearfield, PACoshocton, OH

Walpole Island, ON

Cornwall, ON

Owego, NYWaterloo, IA

Mt Pulaski, IL

Royal Center, IN

Hamilton, OH

Mt Vernon, IL

Ashland, MT

Desmet, ID

Lapwai, ID

Parsons, KS

Red Mesa, AZ

Mescalero, NM

Brighton, TN

Ethete, WY

Birmingham, AL

Franklin, NH

Buffalo, NY

Rochester, NY

Belfast, ME

Washington, NJScranton, PA

Worton, MD

Reading, PA

SOuTH AMERICA

Pucallpa (Peru)

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2

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Canton, OH

Choose a locationand date

Call with any questions

Reserve your spaces

AL Birmingham Sun, July 25 - Sat, July 31 Sr High 400 $399 AZ Red Mesa Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Sr High 400 $479 X X X GA Savannah Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Sr High 400 $469 XGA Valdosta Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Sr High 400 $399 IA Waterloo Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3 Sr High 400 $479 X ID Desmet Sun, July 18 - Sat, July 24 Sr High 200 $409 X ID Lapwai Sun, July 25 - Sat, July 31 Sr High 200 $409 X IL Centralia Sun, July 25 - Sat, July 31 Jr/Sr High 400 $419 IL Mt Pulaski Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Sr High 400 $419 IL Mt Vernon Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3 Jr/Sr High 400 $424 IN Royal Center Sun, July 4 - Sat, July 10 Jr/Sr High 400 $409 IN Rushville Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Sr High 400 $424 KS Parsons Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Jr/Sr High 400 $399 MD Worton Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3 Jr/Sr High 400 $424 ME Belfast Sun, July 4 - Sat, July 10 Sr High 400 $442 MI Midland Sun, July 18 - Sat, July 24 Sr High 400 $479 X MN Morris Sun, July 18 - Sat, July 24 Sr High 400 $469 XMN Red Lake Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3 Sr High 400 $399 X MT Ashland Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Sr High 400 $424 X NC China Grove Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Sr High 400 $424 NC Wilmington Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Sr High 400 $424 NC Newton Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3 Sr High 400 $424 NH Franklin Sun, July 4 - Sat, July 10 Sr High 400 $442 NJ Washington Sun, July 4 - Sat, July 10 Jr/Sr High 400 $424 NM Mescalero Sun, July 18 - Sat, July 24 Sr High 400 $479 X X NY Buffalo Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Sr High 400 $442 NY Owego Sun, July 25 - Sat, July 31 Sr High 400 $434 NY Rochester Sun, July 25 - Sat, July 31 Jr/Sr High 400 $442 OH Canton Sun, July 18 - Sat, July 24 Jr/Sr High 400 $419 OH Coshocton Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Jr/Sr High 400 $424 OH Hamilton Sun, July 4 - Sat, July 10 Sr High 400 $419 ON Cornwall Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Sr High 400 $469 ON Walpole Island Sun, July 4 - Sat, July 10 Sr High 400 $469 X PA Clearfield Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Sr High 400 $432 PA Mifflinburg Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Sr High 400 $419 PA New Castle Sun, July 18 - Sat, July 24 Sr High 400 $424 PA Reading Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Sr High 400 $469 XPA Scranton Sun, June 27 - Sat, July 3 Sr High 400 $469 XSC Kingstree Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Jr/Sr High 400 $399 TN Brighton Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Sr High 400 $409 WI Racine Sun, June 20 - Sat, June 26 Sr High 400 $424 WV Dunmore Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Sr High 400 $424 X WV Montgomery #1 Sun, July 11 - Sat, July 17 Sr High 400 $479 X X XWV Montgomery #2 Sun, July 25 - Sat, July 31 Sr High 400 $469 X XWY Ethete Sun, June 13 - Sat, June 19 Sr High 400 $419 X

PE Pucallpa Fri, June 25 - Sat, July 3 Sr High 40 $1,999

Trip LocationsSt

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Home Repair Trips (Group Workcamps)

International Adventure

Transformation Happens... Here’s how:Change the Lives of Those You Serve When you serve someone in the name of Christ, something powerful happens. You get to be part of God’s work. God becoming real in a person’s life. Meeting real needs. Seeing lives changed. Sometimes this is powerfully evident, and other times we serve with very little evidence of change or thanks. But we serve—as Jesus taught. Change Your Life Something powerful also happens within us when we serve. Eyes open. Hearts soften. And faith ignites. Over 30 years of innovative youth ministry experience has proven that serving others can be a catalyst for lasting change in the faith of students. And when you combine that experience with meaningful worship and devotions, the proven result is a deeper connection to Jesus. Build Character There’s something powerful about serving and sharing God’s love with people in need. It changes how you think. When you develop a relationship with someone who can use a helping hand, it stirs something inside. “Others” become personal friends. “The poor” and “the less fortunate” become real and human. You gain a greater sense of value for every life, and a sensitivity to how God can use you to touch others with his love.

Strengthen Relationships At a Group Workcamp, your students will grow closer to you, and come home with a renewed sense of respect and an eagerness to work with you to connect with Jesus. Your entire group will experience a rewarding new sense of unity. They’ll also make a bunch of new friends from different states and Christian denominations. Your students will be energized and encouraged as they work alongside like-minded youth from across the nation. Develop Life Skills In just one week, your youth will gain life skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. This is an atmosphere that instills responsibility, accountability, and good citizenship. A place where compassion, tolerance, leadership, friendliness, acceptance, good manners, and self-control all thrive. A setting where determination, endurance, and dependability are strengthened—even in the face of a challenge! And if that’s not enough, many students learn valuable skills from the hands-on repairs and service projects they perform. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving!

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Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

7To register for your trip or for more info call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com

This is an exotic, true adventure for you and your group. To describe this as a “trip of a lifetime” would not be an exaggeration! You’ll travel and live on an Amazon Riverboat where you’ll serve in native settlements along the wide Ucayali River—where the main source of personal transportation is still a dugout canoe!

For over 25 years, our ministry partners have been reaching the people of the Ucayali River by boat. But recently they completed a new, large, 100-foot sailing vessel—the Evangelista—to expand their work of bringing the good news to the people on the river. This boat will be your home away from home.

Be a part of a ministry expedition to serve, share experiences, and even learn from villagers. Your openness to help educate, develop relationships, take part in construction projects, be a part of church activities and micro-business development will make an impact on their community—and you.

Quick Description• A 9-day international mission adventure• Up to 40 participants, depending on the trip• For ages 14 to 20 (senior high groups)

You can expect to:• Work in small teams of typically four or five teenagers with one or two adults, each person fulfilling an important role• Support the outreach of a local church in Peru• Provide one adult (21+ years) for every five youth you bring• Be supported by well-trained staff as you enjoy faith-building programs that help your teenagers translate their international service adventure into life-changing spiritual growth

Join with groups from other churches to live out God’s love in Peru, where you’ll minister to people in the river villages of Peru’s exotic Amazon rainforests!

Dates: Fri, June 25 - Sat, July 3 Ages: Sr High Cost: $1,999

Peru Adventure

Be Inspired Aside from the service projects, your group will be inspired by the powerful, innovative daily programs. We’ve field-tested our programs with both youth and their leaders to ensure that our unique combination of music, videos, dramas, games, worship experiences, and challenging presentations move your youth deeper in their faith. When kids return from our mission trips, their parents talk about the changes they see in their kids—greater church attendance, more involvement in church activities, a desire to serve in their community, and a greater passion to know God. Have Fun Here’s a little secret: even though it sounds like work, these trips are an absolute blast! There’s nothing better than serving others, making new friends, seeing another part of the world, and experiencing a totally different way of life. And, along with all the scheduled fun, your kids will enjoy blocks of free time to relax and have fun with old and new friends. Most camps have an afternoon off so your group can check out local attractions or simply hang out. Many groups also choose to add time before and/or after their camp for group recreation and excursions. It’s a great combination of work and play!

Connect to Jesus and Others More than anything else, we share your desire to see youth grow in their relationship with Jesus. You and your students will have many opportunities for God to work in your hearts and see how he works in our everyday lives. How’s our track record? Each year, more than 90% of campers say they’ve grown closer to God through their Group mission trip!

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WHETHER FuLL-TImE YOuTH PaSTOR OR vOLuNTEER, YOuR TImE IS vaLuaBLE. makE YOuR mISSION TRIP EaSY!

To register for your trip or for more info call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com

“I just got back from my mission trip, and I’m already missing it. My time spent there helped me to connect with my youth group, and come to terms with my own personal beliefs. My resident, Miss Essie, touched my life and I will carry the memories with her, and my friends forever.”

- Keaton N., youth participant

New! Leadership TrainingWe believe in youth...and it’s amazing to see kids who have been coached in leadership skills! It’s amazing what they can do. For years, we’ve taught leadership to hundreds of college students – giving them tremendous responsibility leading camps around the world. And in 2010 we’ll bring many of the same lessons to your group. Your youth will have the opportunity to take home new levels of confidence, respect and responsibility. Plan now to bring your group!

“I can honestly say that is was one of the best experiences of my life. I grew much closer to both God and EVERYONE in my youth group, I made friends with almost every person I came across. I worked the absolute hardest I ever have for free but the end result felt so good that I would do it a hundred times over. The experience you get from this can not be matched by anything I know of. If you want to grow spiritually and help a lot of people along the way this is where you should be.” - Anthony G., youth participant

“I loved this mission trip! My crew was amazing and I made a lot of new friends! The morning and evening programs always lifted me up. I also got to help local residents, not only in home repairs, but also in lifting their hearts up to God. Not only did all of this happen, but I also learned to love myself again. I let go of my past and I began anew. I finally let God forgive me. I was finally ready to let Him love me like He always did. I was just too scared to let Him in the past. This changed my life and I hope it will do the same for you!” - Faith A., youth participant

“For one week, everyone of the four hundred plus students and adults, give completely of their time and talent to better someone, a complete stranger’s life. With everything we all have to worry about day to day, its refreshing to check one of those colossal tasks off someone else’s list. Knowing that every day they look at that deck, wheel chair ramp, or newly painted house, they remember the service that was performed here by strangers out of their love for Jesus Christ, and their eagerness to pay that love forward.” - Andrew M., adult participant “At first, I didn’t want to go [on this trip], because I’m not a person for meeting new people. This was the best thing I did over the entire summer! I met so many new people that I never knew I would miss so much! I grew closer to God through doing good things! I had so much fun! I definitely want to do it again!” - Greta, youth participant “All I can say is AMAZING! I really could see God working, I could feel His presence in our evening worship hours and it was just such a blessing. I had quite a physically challenging project but God brought our group together and we made our work the best that we could because we knew it was all for the Lord. I encourage anyone who goes on these trips to give your whole self, everything, over to God, because then you will really receive and feel His blessings!” - Charlene D., youth participant

“The experiences I had on my mission trip were absolutely amazing. I accepted God into my life while I was there. I loved the nightly devotions, and activities. They gave us a night to forgive things, and start over, and I have to say I think that almost every person cried. I fell in love with the area and the kindness of the people. My resident was great, and my crew was amazing…I would do it all again.” - Amanda M., youth participant

Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to him. (Philippians 2:17)

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What people are saying about Group Workcamps...

To register for your trip or for more info call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com 13

a GREaT OPPORTuNITY IF YOuR GROuP IS 3 OR 150.

“What an amazing experience! I helped to build a wheelchair ramp as well as install deck handrails for a man named Bo. Bo lost his leg, yet still fought through everyday to live a semi-normal life. Group Workcamps made it easier for him and dozens of others to get around and go back to an easier way of life. God Bless you all.” - Ian D., youth participant “Each year that I have gone on a mission trip, I have made special connections with the residents, and before the end of the week was over I could see God everywhere I looked. Group Workcamps Foundation is an amazing organization. A week at workcamp is exhausting, but you will never leave feeling like your time was wasted. This week is the best week of my life, so I have continued to go for the past 6 years. If you haven’t tried a Group Workcamp, you should take part and see the incredible results of the trip.” - Heather, youth participant

“The young people who re-painted my home were truly God’s angels. I got to know each of them as the week progressed and found them to be wonderful people. They accomplished an impossible task for me with grace and humility. I will never forget the experience.” - Robert F., resident “After going to workcamp for three years, I have come to the conclusion that there is no backing out now! It is such a fun way to grow closer to Jesus and meet more and more people each year!” - Jacqui, youth participant “I just got back from my fifth Group Workcamp and somehow they seem to get better and better each and every year. The ways in which we were able to be God’s hands and feet this past week were truly life changing.” - Kevin P., adult participant

“I have been a volunteer for 4 years (going on 5). I have seen many amazing things in but none more powerful than transformed lives…Imagine what God can do with you.”

- Mark, adult staff member

“It was really one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I left for [camp] at 5 in the morning on that Sunday, with clothes ready to be trashed and too many snacks. I got back at 4 in the afternoon that Saturday, with an even stronger faith in God, countless new friendships, sunburns, and entirely too many inside jokes. God has shown me much more love than I deserve in my life. So I need to show that same love to others who need it.” - Hanna H., youth participant

“My trip was a while ago (summer 2007) but I still remember the experience like it was yesterday. I swear I was so…apprehensive before the trip (it was my first one and I had only recently stated to go to church) I thought I wasn’t gonna fit in and that everyone in my work group was older than I was! The trip was so influential for me, I cried so many times because of the things we learned and saw how we really helped people. The trip helped me decide to get baptized and I still talk to my work crew!” - Kendall D., youth participant

“At first I went on this trip for something to do. I really didn’t believe in God. And on Thursday Night at the program…I asked God into my heart for the first time of my life. And now I believe and love God with all of my heart…for the rest of my life.” - Amelia, youth participant

What’s included in the registration fee? Great question—as a full-service mission provider, we give you all of the following: Lodging All meals, except for one evening meal where you

have free time to explore the community Construction materials and project supplies,

including their delivery to project sites Theme T-shirt for each participant Development of daily thematic, fun,

faith-building programs Pre- and post-trip devotions Highly trained, mission-minded camp staff Comprehensive online Leader Manual and project

preparation materials Program supplies for interactive activities Project selection, organization, and administration Unlimited customer support from professional

and courteous staff Fund-raising ideas and FUND IT (web-based

fundraising management tool) Mission Handbook for each participant (a personal

devotion book and guide for the week) Who can participate? Junior/Senior High Trips: Participants must be at least 12 yrs. old or entering the 7th grade in the fall of 2010. Senior High-Only Trips: Participants must be at least 14 yrs. old or entering the 9th grade in the fall of 2010. No special skills are required…just a willingness to serve. The minimum group size is one young person and one adult (21 or older) of the same gender.

What about adults? Adults (age 21 and above) are a critical part of the mission experience. Adults provide safety, relationships, spiritual guidance, and discipline. And adults serve on project crews, shoulder to shoulder with young people. Please bring a minimum of one adult for every five youth. If you register both males and females, bring at least one adult male and one adult female. If additional adults want to come, bring ‘em. Or have them apply on our website to serve as staff volunteers for their week. How are crews organized? A typical “crew” is a group of four or five young people and one adult. Some projects require multiple crews or slight modifications of crew size based on local partner and community needs. Project crews usually include participants from a variety of churches. If you’d rather have your teenagers serve with your own group members, call us and we’ll gladly accommodate your request. What about transportation? You need to provide transportation for your group to and from your mission trip. Also, during your mission trip, the vehicles you bring will be used to provide daily transport to and from project sites. Please ensure the number of seats and seat belts in your vehicles matches or exceeds the number of people you bring. Vehicles with at least six seats and seat belts are preferred. All vehicles, including chartered buses, must be available for transportation to sites during the week. If you intend to bring a large bus, please be sure your trip location can accommodate it. Check the trip description on the website. Transportation varies for international trips. Group Workcamps will arrange all ground transportation for Peru.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. (Ephesians 6:7)

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Where do we stay? Most lodging is in local schools, churches, or community centers (accommodations vary by trip). Accommodations will include areas for groups to room together by gender, a common eating area, and a program area. Showers will be available, though they may be indoor showers (locker room style) or may be outdoor (semiprivate, temporary) showers. Have all participants bring a swimming suit so they’re prepared for any showering situation. Participants will sleep on the floor and need to bring their own sleeping bags, pillows, and a twin-size air mattress. Facilities may or may not be air-conditioned, so consider bringing a small fan. Cell phone coverage may or may not be available, but there will always be an emergency phone onsite. When do we pay? To make it easier for fund raising, we’ve broken your payment into three convenient steps: Deposit: A nonrefundable deposit ($50 per person for most trips) is required at the time of registration to reserve space on your trip. Payment 2: 50% of your group’s remaining balance is due March 15, 2010. Payment 3: Your remaining balance is due May 15, 2010. Early Bird Registration: This special offer lets you hold spaces free and delay the deposit until September 30, 2009. Registration fees are in U.S. dollars and can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. Payment 2 and 3 are refundable when cancellations are made at least 30 days before the start of your trip.

Do you have references? Absolutely! Don’t just take our word for it—give us a call (1.800.385.4545) and we’d be happy to connect you with other youth leaders who have served with us. What happens if the trip I want is full? All trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so it pays to register early. However, if you register for a trip that’s “full,” we’ll give you the option of being on a waitlist for your first choice or registered for your second-choice location. Call us. We’ll help. What if I need to change the number of people I have registered? You may alter (up or down) the number of participants you have registered to bring on your mission trip as long as there’s capacity at the location. However, there are a couple of things you want to be sure you know before you change anything: Deposits you’ve paid for any registered space

are nonrefundable. Deposits can be used to add new participants to

your group BUT cannot be transferred to an account balance or to another group. Registration amounts paid (less deposit amounts)

are refundable when the Registration Team is notified at least 30 days before the first day of the trip. The entire fee will be forfeited for cancellations less than 30 days from the start of your trip. All of this can be done by contacting your Registration Team at 1.800.385.4545, option #3.

To register for your trip or for more info call 1.800.385.4545 or go to GroupWorkcamps.com 15

CERTIFICaTES avaILaBLE FOR uP TO 30 HOuRS OF COmmuNITY SERvICE.

1. Contact Information q My church has attended a previous Group camp

Primary contact name

Church name

Please send correspondence to: q My church q My home

Address

City State/Prov ZIP/Postal code

Daytime phone ( ) E-mail address

2. Select Your Location Camp City & State Start Date Per Person Fee:

1st choice $

2nd choice $

3rd choice $

3. Reserve SpacesPlease register a minimum of 1 adult for every 5 students. If you register both males and females, sign up at least 1 adult male and 1 adult female.

spaces for participants under age 21+ spaces for adult participants= total registered participants

Check your payment option below:

q I want to take the “Early Bird” option! I want to register my group now, and know my deposit payment will be due by September 30, 2009. (If deposit payment is not received by that date, your reservation will be cancelled.)

q Check enclosed to “Group Workcamps Foundation” $ Check # / MO#

q Please contact me for my credit card information to finalize my registration.

Starting September 30, a $50 nonrefundable deposit (U.S. funds) is required for each participant. Deposits are not transferable to camp balances. Please only register the number of

spaces you intend to fill. However, you can add more spaces to your group, until the camp reaches its capacity, by calling your Registration Team at 1.800.385.4545, option 3.

Upon registration, you’ll be asked to sign our Terms and Conditions to complete the registration transaction.

3 EaSY ways to register

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