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SAY Work Camp 2007

One of the most fruitful events of St. Anne's Youth is the annual work camp, when a group goes to another area to assist in the "fix-up" of homes, churches, schools, etc, for those less able to do so themselves. This is a report of this year's experience.

Lisa Acosta, John Brewer and Bettianne Quinn took 14 youths to Keansburg, NJ July 1 – July 8, 2007. Over 400 people had gathered there and were broken into 53 work crews to paint and repair not only people’s homes, but also a church, and to touch their lives. Just ask any of our youth about Larry, the custodian at the school, and how he was touched and changed.

The youth were just fantastic and although weary after five days of work managed to have the energy to do a 24-hour whirlwind tour of New York City where we visited Ground Zero, Trinity Church, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and more. Lodging for the night was at GTU (Graduate Theological Union) the oldest seminary in the US.

The cost for this trip was about $500.00 per person (chaperones too), when you add travel, meals and tolls. Seeing the youth change during the week and even when they get home you know it was worth it. Thank you, St. Anne’s, for your support and generosity! At camp each day the youth (and Adults) were asked if there were any “God Sightings—” little ways that God shows his presence in their lives daily. May their insights below on their trip be your “God sightings” to see how these kids come back changed.

Ginny – My crew and I were helping an old widow who really appreciated not only our work, but our company. Several months back, she had been robbed and beaten by two criminals who thankfully were caught and convicted. To make matters worse, almost none of her neighbors ever spend time with her. She was so happy to talk to us!

Dominic – I had a great time making new friends at work camp

Mary – Sometimes you settle into a pattern of going to church and bible studies, and it’s easy to lose sight of your faith and dedication. Work camp is always a great way to renew yourself. It’s a life changing experience to your faith.

Lorenzo – Work camp was an amazing life experience.

Emily – The life changing work camp experiences that I had this year are too many to really talk about. If you are really interested, find and ask me!

Andrew – Work camp is an amazing experience. I love the feeling of joy I get just seeing my resident smile after we finish the project.

John L – Work camp will be a story of my life that I will never be tired of remembering, because I liked it that much, I mean, I liked it more than ice cream.

Kim – Work camp is a lot of fun. It’s always nice to see the way you can help a community.

Kerry – Work camp is a life changing experience. It was so great getting to know our residents and new friends from all over the country.

Patrick – Work camp will be one of the most memorable times of my life. It was a place that I met some great new friends and helped a few people. Work camp meant a lot to me. It brought me a lot closer to Jesus and helped me realize how important being closer to Jesus is.