Youth Mission Week
Youth stay at church from Thursday night until Tuesday afternoon. We repair homes for people in Pottstown who are unable to fix their own homes. We also help various non-profit organizations. Evenings we have meals with church members and participate in discussion and worship. One day during the weeks is a dedicated "fun day."
Not a "Mission Trip"
Unlike most Mission Trips, we stay locally in our own community, helping individuals and agencies in our very midst. Because we do not travel long distances we are flexible: adult volunteers can stay for the whole week, or only work a single day; youth can still participate in one or two activities for school or sports; because we're not traveling, we'll accept youth that we don't know well into the program.
Costs
Rather than set up a "scholarship fund" and have some kids pay and others get support from the church, we offer this program as free for everyone. We do however ask for donations. Families who are able are asked to consider the normal expense of a week long camp and send a donation. Youth are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks to share. Parents are asked to contribute volunteer hours. Church members donate time, food, and equipment.
Building Relationships
Because we don't leave town, the youth of our churches build relationships with members of the congregation -- not just the youth leaders. They eat dinner in the homes of members; they work at the homes of elderly adults from the church; they work side by side with people from our churches who can't take a whole week off of work, but are able to contribute a day or half a day.
Not a "Mission Trip"
Unlike most Mission Trips, we stay locally in our own community, helping individuals and agencies in our very midst. Because we do not travel long distances we are flexible: adult volunteers can stay for the whole week, or only work a single day; youth can still participate in one or two activities for school or sports; because we're not traveling, we'll accept youth that we don't know well into the program.
Costs
Rather than set up a "scholarship fund" and have some kids pay and others get support from the church, we offer this program as free for everyone. We do however ask for donations. Families who are able are asked to consider the normal expense of a week long camp and send a donation. Youth are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks to share. Parents are asked to contribute volunteer hours. Church members donate time, food, and equipment.
Building Relationships
Because we don't leave town, the youth of our churches build relationships with members of the congregation -- not just the youth leaders. They eat dinner in the homes of members; they work at the homes of elderly adults from the church; they work side by side with people from our churches who can't take a whole week off of work, but are able to contribute a day or half a day.