More than 800 Arlington Teens to Trade Week of Summer Vacation for Service

(Editor’s note: The following article is from Arlington Youth Ministry.)

At a time when Millennials make up the largest group of self-identified “nones” – those who are religiously unaffiliated – more than 800 teens in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington will give up a week of their summer to rebuild their neighbors’ homes and to grow in their faith at the 29th annual Diocesan WorkCamp, which takes place from June 20-26.

The teens will travel with 500 adult leaders, contractors and volunteers from 41 parishes to Shenandoah County where they will trade in their cell phones, tablets and electronic devices for hammers, screwdrivers and paint brushes. The teens aim to complete more than 160 projects at 136 job sites.

Specific projects include rebuilding decks and wheelchair ramps, building new roofs, sealing mobile homes from rain, and replacing windows to ensure warmth during winter. Each day is bookended with prayer, Mass and social and spiritual activities for the youth and adult leaders.

“It is much easier to declare yourself a ‘none’ if you have never been a part of a loving, serving, community that is focused upon Jesus,” said Kevin Bohli, Diocesan Director of the Office of Youth Ministry, which sponsors the event. “WorkCamp provides teens an opportunity to encounter that community.”

Each year, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde joins the teens to visit project sites and celebrate Mass, Adoration and confession. He cites serving the teens dinner as one of his favorite experiences each year.

“We are all called to be missionary evangelizers,” Bishop Loverde said. “Our young people share the joy of the Gospel with those on the margins of our diocese by repairing homes and building relationships with the residents while learning that charity is faith in action.”

This year, camp is based at Stonewall Jackson High School, 150 Stonewall Ln., Quicksburg, Va.

Follow the digital coverage of WorkCamp on social media with#ArlingtonWC15. Find Arlington Youth Ministry @arlingtonyouth and the Arlington Diocese @arlingtonchurch.

For more information on the Diocese of Arlington’s 2015 WorkCamp, visit http://arlingtondiocese.org/youth/WorkCamp.aspx.