Tri-Cities Work Camp

Contact: Ken and Martha Trexler

Bethel UMC participates in the Tricities Workcamp held in Petersburg, VA each year. Small crews work together each day, Monday through Friday on homes that have been assessed by Tri-Cities Workcamps, Inc. Work tasks include porch and step repair, hanging drywall, floor and wall replacement and painting. Evening programs offer inspiration through music, worship, games and projects. Special activities are scheduled throughout the week. Daily seminars are held for adults and campers 19 years and older. Thursday night is a special night of learning drama, music, liturgical dance and other art that can be presented by the campers at their home churches. Saturday morning's Re-entry Celebration is a culmination of the week through art, music, worship and pictures. This celebration is shared with residents, parents, and clergy and church members. Visitors are welcomed if anyone wants to come down and see what these youth are doing for the Peterburg community.

The cost is approximately $250 (there may be scholarships available) per youth which includes room, board and transportation. Work Camp is available to youth, ages 14 or entering 9th grade and up. If your child is interested please speak to the Trexlers or Pastor Marty.

More about the Tri-Cities Workcamp of Petersburg

Tri-Cities Work Camp 2008Tri-Cities Workcamp of Petersburg, also known as "youth workcamp", was founded 20 years ago by Connie and John Romaine, who wanted to give the youth of their church an opportunity to serve the community. It is a non-denominational retreat experience for youth that focuses on helping youth serve and form relationships with people outside of their immediate community.

Since it’s founding, the camp has grown into two, one week retreats of 150 youth from ages 14 to 18 and 25 adults, who give back to the poor of the community and gain an experience to last a lifetime. Crews of 6 students and 1 adult, each from different churches, work together as a team to improve the homes of the less fortunate in our community.

During the day, in addition to work, the crew and the resident read a passage from scripture and discuss what it means to them. Evenings are also hectic with activities planned to foster a better sense of self as well as help mold friendships that can last a lifetime.

Stories from previous years' work camps:

There is also a Facebook Group for all the work camp veterans with lots of photos and videos from previous summers.

Photos from last year's time at camp can be found at Bethel's Picasa photo page.