Spring Break Work Trip

Gulfport, Mississippi
March 23-30

Curtis & Bernadette finish prepping a bedroom floor in Mrs. Reed's house. Alex and Ally help get a home ready for a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

2008 Gallery: Visit Shutterfly to see the team in action

2007 Gallery: More photos from last year's trip

Please pray for these young people and adults as they venture out to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Who: 8th-12th graders in Episcopal Churches and Schools in the Diocese of Washington
Where: Gulfport, Mississippi
When:March 23-30
Cost: $485 (includes a $150 non-refundable deposit due with application)
2008 Team:
Mike Appold (Christ Church, Clinton)
Rachael Appold (Christ Church, Clinton)
Jackson Behre (St. Columba's)
Willie Botto (Transfiguration)
Berna Cannon (St. Bartholomew's)
Gwendolyn Cannon (St. Bartholomew's)
Philip Hills-Bunnell (St. Columba's)
Merily Horwat (Christ Church, Rockville)
Conner Kraegel (St. Peter's)
Mark McGrath (St. Columba's)
Katrina Ragland (Grace, Silver Spring)
Abigail Tjornehoj (St. Peter's)
Rachel Tjornehoj (St. Peter's)
Diego Valenzuela (St. Bartholomew's)
Adults:
Paul Canady
Kelly Moughty (St. Columba's)
Michele Craig (Christ Church, Rockville)
Sian Jones (St. Mark's, DC)

Background Information
Participants will be selected based on their involvement in their congregation and eagerness to work. It is an added bonus if you have some basic construction knowledge (hammering, painting, using a saw, power tools etc.), but that is not required. The labor will not be simple, but we will have experienced adult leaders onsite to provide some guidance. In addition, there are four pre-trip meetings (listed below) participants are required to attend.

This is an event sponsored by the Episcopal Church; participants should expect worship in the Episcopal tradition. We will be working through Volunteers of America Southeast (www.voasoutheast.org) in Mobile, AL. We'll be flying in and out of Mobile, AL. March 23rd is Easter Sunday, but we are working with our travel agent to ensure our flight will not depart before 4:00 p.m. that afternoon.

The cost of the trip is $485.00, which includes a $150 non-refundable deposit due with your application. To apply for a space on the SBWT, please complete the attached application and ask two people to fill out the reference forms for you. Your references may return the recommendation form by mail or fax or you may include them with your application. Be sure to read the application carefully. Suggestions for those to recommend you include: youth minister/leader, rector/pastor, junior or senior warden, school chaplain, Godparent, teacher, guidance counselor, coach or close friend. References cannot be from a family member. Applications will not be considered without the deposit & completed responses to the questions on the application.

The cost includes most meals, housing and transportation. This opportunity is being heavily underwritten by the Youth Ministry budget of the Diocese. It is our hope that parishes will be able to help those from their congregation who might need financial assistance. The $150 non-refundable deposit will be credited towards your total cost.

PRE-TRIP MEETINGS

Julia-Ellen and the Rev. Jennifer McKenzie take a break after pulling out a 20-foot piece of root during a yard clean-up.

♦ Sunday, December 9th, 2007
2:30—4:00 PM | St. John's, Beltsville
(11040 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD)

♦ Sunday, January 13, 2008
2:30—4:30 PM | St. Mark's (Silver Spring)

♦ Sunday, February 3, 2008
2:30—4:30 PM | St. Columba's, DC

♦ Sunday, March 2, 2008
2:30—4:30 PM | Christ Church, Kensington

Participants must be able to attend the four pre-trip planning meetings. You may miss only one due to extenuating circumstances. Please note, at least one parent must attend the first meeting (Dec. 9th) and the last hour of the last meeting (Mar. 2nd)

Questions? Contact Paul Canady, Diocesan Deputy for Youth Ministry, at 202/537.6524 or PCanady@EDOW.org.