When is the Work Camp?
Sunday June 24 through Saturday, June 30, 2012
Where is the camp taking place?
Appalachian South Folklife Center, Pipestem, WV - visit their website at http://folklifecenter.org
What is the Appalachian South Folklife Center?
The Folklife Center is a 41-year old Work Camp Program. As part of their mission, they host a variety of volunteer groups woh visit the Pipestem, WV area to provide much needed assistance to local individuals, communities, and the FolkLife Center. Work Camps provide opportunities for groups to learn about the cultural, historical, and recreational aspects of Appalachia.
The 65-acre facility includes dormitories, a dining hall, chapel, a fire pit, classrooms, an outdoor lit stage, a picnic shelter, and outdoor recreation including volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes.
What type of projects does the Appalachian South Folklife Center do?
The types of projects include: home repair, painting, maintenance, yard work, cleaning, etc. The group can expect to work 6 hours each work day. All projects are screened and prioritized by Center Staff prior to the group's arrival, and tools are provided. Many of those served are senior citizens or families who have a low income and have no other source to provide the needed assistance; this is due to economic conditions that have caused many younger people to leave the state in order to find employment elsewhere.
What else is included in the plans for the week?
Also part of the Work Camp experience is learning about WV culture and history. There will be several evening programs highlighting cultural aspects of Appalachia. Additionally, our group will take a field trip to observe the phenomenon known as 'mountain top removal' (MTR) and to see the effects of this type of mining on the environment and the people who live there.
It won't be all work, though! Our schedule can be tailored to include time for rock climbing, swimming, hiking, etc. Those details are yet to be ironed out.
What are the expectations of the members of the group?
In addition to participating in the cultural events, the field trips and the work projects, our group will also be responsible for all our own cooking and clean-up, so teams will be created so everyone can pitch in!
How will we get to and from West Virginia?
We will rent a total of 3 vans to transport youth from strategic locations in the Ohio Meadville and St. Lawrence districts, based on registration. You will be responsible for getting to the pick up point closest to you.
What is the cost?
With the generous support of the Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility, we are able to offer this AMAZING week-long experience, all travel, meals, and lodging included, for $250. We also have a limited number of half-scholarships. Registration forms and scholarship applications can be found at the OMD website here.
I need more informaiton, who should I contact?
Michelle Buhite, Youth, Young Adult & Campus Ministry Intern for the OMD is coordinating this event. You can contact her at mbuhite@ohiomeadville.org
Ok, I'm ready take me to the registration forms!
Register as a youth or indicate your interest as an adult to be a chaperone.
