Photo/Erik HornGENESEE COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -
More than 250 teens from across the United States are participating in the weeklong 2012 Catholic Heart Workcamp hosted by St. John the Evangelist in Davison.
The week of service includes painting, general home repairs, cleaning, landscaping and interacting with children at local daycare centers in low-income communities. They will also assist at food distribution locations, homeless shelters and local outreach centers.
"This is the fourth year we've hosted the camp; the needs of the people here in Genesee County are tremendous," said Elaine Ouellette, Director of RCIA & Family Faith Formation at St. John. "It is through the generosity of these young people that we can bring some help and happiness into their lives."
Officials said the goal of the work camp is two-fold. First, it gives teens a chance to serve and give back to the community. Second, it allows them the opportunity to live out their faith. In addition to a week of service, the campers will also give up the comforts of home to sleep on the floor of the parish's Family Center.
Local agencies in partnership with the HEART Workcamp include: Genesee County Food Bank, North End Soup Kitchen, St. Luke Outreach Center (Flint), Michigan Christian Youth Camp & Retreat Center, Imlay City Summer Migrant Education Program, Toys for Tots, St. Michael (Flint), Carriage Town Ministries, Outreach East, and St. John Christian Service as well as several other area churches.
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