Saint Joseph's 
High School Trips
 

Commerce City, CO Workcamp Participants	New Orleans, LA Youthworks Participants

High School Mission Trips
 

WORKCAMP Overview
It’s never too early to begin planning for summer service trips!  Once again, the youth of St. Joseph's will travel on not one, but two mission trips around the United States.  The summer of 2008 will include a trip to Bayou La Batre, Alabama in June and Montgomery, West Virginia in July.   On each trip, youth will have opportunities to serve the community through work projects and also grow closer to Christ through daily devotions, music, and prayer.  The trips once again will be organized through Group Workcamps and Youthworks.

Group Workcamps?
Group WORKCAMPS, a part of Group Publishing Inc.®, arranges week long WORKCAMPS for thousands of teenagers across the United States. Since 1977, more than 185,000 teenagers have participated in their history in WORKCAMPS all over the United States and in Canada and Mexico. Everything about the WORKCAMP is arranged from actual repair projects, to evening programs and accommodations. This year Group WORKCAMPS has arranged 40+ WORKCAMPS across the United States, each with up to 450 participants. In 2006, Group WORKCAMPS® celebrated their 30th anniversary.

Youthworks?
Youthworks is a multi-denominational organization that aims to provide life-changing, Christ centered, short term youth mission opportunities.  With 75 sites across the country and internationally, Youthworks remains relationship oriented, servant minded, and ministry focused.

How Workcamps Work
We arrive Sunday afternoon and we have just a little time to settle in before beginning the work. Sunday afternoon and evening are filled with programs to get us ready for our week of work. Lodging arrangements are made at the mission site (usually a high school) for our stay. Projects commence right after breakfast on Monday morning. All participants are matched within a small crew with five or six other strangers. Our youth group is split up to work with participants from other youth groups, providing them with the opportunity to make new friends from across the nation. Our St. Joe's youth group, however, rooms together by gender in separate areas of the school-and we basically make the school our home away from home.

How do I Register for a Mission Trip?
The Cost of each mission trip this summer is $500.  In order to reserve a space on either trip please send in a $100 non-refundable deposit along with a mission trip application form to Kate Berry at the Parish Center. 

What To Bring
Tools Needed     Packing List     Clothing Policy

Reflections from past WORKCAMPS
     What do Mission Trips mean to you?

A time to serve and see the face of God in the least suspected ways.
~Kayla Wallick, Junior

I went to help the kids but this young loving group of people inspired me, helped renovate me spiritually.
~Gerald Reimer, Adult Leader

Mission trips are a way for me to meet people my own age that have the same passion for Christ - even if they're not the same denomination as I am.
~Alyssa Miller, Sophomore

It is a chance to renew in friendships and faith.  You are allowed to be surrounded by God and have the opportunity to do everything in His name.
~Lauren Sorenson, Junior

For me the mission trip experiences have always been one of spiritual renewal, a time to step back from your life, and to spend some time speaking with God.  You won't always get the answers you hope for but your prayers will be answered nevertheless.
~Douglas Starkebaum, Sophomore

The mission trips I've been on have been the most powerful experiences in my entire life.
~Mara Stolee, Freshman

Mission trips mean growing closer to God and to your church friends.  It also means meeting new friends from all over the country and sharing your faith with them.
~Natasha Nelson, Freshman

A time to experience God and be with friends.  Also a time to be more in touch with my faith.
~Ashley Christiansen, Freshman

History of mission trips at St. Joseph's
Mission Trips are quite a tradition at Saint Joe’s!  Take a look:

Fundraising
Along with serving others away from home, missioners are put to the task of raising funds to go toward the payment of their trip.  To help offset mission trip expenditures (food, bus, tuition, etc.), we have scheduled many opportunities for the youth to raise money this year.  One example of fundraising is last years Bake Sale (see photo below).  The youth bake and sell recipe favorites for purchase after the Sunday masses.  We also have babysitting opportunities, Applebees breakfasts, pie sales, and even a carnival (watch the bulletin or website for more details).  To get involved please contact Kate Berry.

BWCA Overview
God's creation is so good. Every year, groups of 6 to 9 go to the BWCA in late July or early August and experience teamwork, beautiful nature and relaxation. Teens always learn a lot about themselves and each other when they are away from the daily grind. Every group and every individual experiences something unique from the experience. All High School teens are invited to attend this awesome week long experience. It's become an annual tradition and favorite with St. Joseph's youth.

The Boundary Waters Trip for 2008 is set for July 12-18th.  If you're interested in more information about BWCA trips contact the High School Youth Minister by email, Kate Berry or by phone, (763)544-3352 ext. 139.

Reflections from past BWCA Trip
"BWCA is a great place to get to know new friends, old friends, and to get to know yourself with God."
--Matt Sauter

"BWCA is so beautiful you can't help but be more connected to God. The hard work makes you appreciate everything you have."
--Jessie O'Hara

"It's so awesome being in BWCA. It's easier to concentrate on the spirituality in nature."
--Matt Byrnes

"I will go on another BWCA trip because the atmosphere of the area allows for making deeper connections with yourself and friends and God."
--Chris McShane

"You not only make new friends and get close to older friends; you find God around every direction you look. In the rainbows, stars, sunset and trees. God is around you the whole way."
--Michelle Crea

Official Group Workcamps Website
Boundary Waters Experience Website
Offical Youth Works! Inc. Website

This page was last updated on 04/02/2008