WorkCampers Tackle Projects In Six Virginia Counties

Brian Cooke, Michael Blanchard and Emily Ruesh (right) show how many workcampers it takes to remove one nail. HERALD Photo by Eduardo Flores.

By Patricia Spencer
^{HERALD Staff Writer}

The disabled Vietnam veteran sat on his front porch in 100-degree heat and watched the young volunteers as they constructed a wheelchair ramp for him.

"They are a great group of people," he said. He chatted congenially with them during the day, and when they left each evening, he told them, "God go with you."

"You learn a lot about people and their needs," said Wendy Wheeler, a teen from Nativity Parish in Burke. "Even when they need a lot, they give so much more back, both the residents and the youth.

"When I came out here for the first time last year, I was so scared," she said. "I didn’t know if I would be able to fit in, or what I was doing. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and coming out here they accept you for who you are."

Wheeler was part of WorkCamp ’97, a weeklong diocesan program in which high school youths, accompanied by adult volunteers and contractors, worked to help their less fortunate brethren grow closer to each other and to God.

Over 160 youths from 18 parishes attended WorkCamp. Each paid $250 to attend, although the actual cost was $600. It was subsidized by fundraisers and parish support. WorkCamp, which started seven years ago by now retired youth minister Bob Mueller of St. Michael Parish in Annandale, has evolved into a $100,000 project encompassing 300 people. There is a similar camp being held at the same time in the diocesan mission in Bánica, Dominican Republic.

"We are working under the spirituality of our neighbor by day and loving God by night," said Father Charles C. McCoart, diocesan director of Youth Activities and associate pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Alexandria.

"It’s great for the kids to see the many people that are part of this project," he said. "They are blown away to see something formed from a pile of lumber to completion."

This year they worked on 34 sites in central rural Virginia, comprising the six counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock and Spotsylvania. The projects included 10 ramps, one outhouse, two roofs, assorted rails, flooring, a wheelchair access door, window installation, gutters, stoops, trailer skirting, stairway replacement, bathroom repairs and siding.

Usually there are four or five kids, two adults and one contractor on each site. "We’re working to keep people warmer, safer and drier," said site coordinator Pat Holiday. "We stress safety; it’s a huge factor, and the kids have been chosen for their experience. We are very blessed with the contractors and other people who help us, both pre- and post-project. We wouldn’t be able to do this without them."

In addition to those on site, a "home base" team of adults stayed at Madison High School to assist, coordinate and troubleshoot.

"The people that I’m working with here are inspiring because of their dedication, passion and creativity in presenting the message of the Lord to these kids," said Father Sean K. Rousseau, associate pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax.

This year’s theme was "God Has a Wild Imagination." This was evidenced by "upside-down day," where everything at "home base," such as name tags and signs, was turned a different way.

"It’s an honor and a privilege for us to have the opportunity to work with the kids and set them up ... to contribute in the work of the Kingdom," said Jack Stech.

He and the other young adults, ranging in age from 18 to 25, were there to assist and give moral support. "None of us are heroes; we’re just trying to do our part," Stech said. "Everybody does everything. That’s what I like about WorkCamp."

The days began with a wake-up call at 6 a.m., followed by Mass and breakfast. The workers were out the door by 8 a.m., with each person carrying their volunteer-made lunch, five-gallon water cooler and first aid kit.

After working all morning, they broke for their mid-day meal and meditation, inviting the residents to join them. The kids shared their spirituality with the residents and vice versa, said Father McCoart.

After completing their afternoon work, they returned to base camp for showers, dinner and small group fun.

The evening program followed, led by Steve Angrisano, a national performer from Dallas who comes almost every year. It consisted of dancing, skits, singing and viewing the day’s taping of "WorkCamp TV." Next was twilight meditation and lights out at 11 p.m.

The youths worked from Monday through Thursday. Friday was considered a "Day of Celebration" to which all those involved, including county supervisors, nurses, parish helpers, residents and social workers, were invited.

Even though he was "digging holes," Michael Blanchard from Nativity Parish said he was having "tons of fun. I’ve seen Jesus’ face in the happiness of the residents. I believe we bring them hope that there are people out here to help them. They see teenagers giving up their week to come down here."

Blanchard, on his second WorkCamp, was accompanied this time by his father, Steve, who came down one night last year to assist with security. He saw "the enthusiasm and excitement that the kids were generating" and was convinced to come this year as a contractor, although he and his son worked on different sites.

"It’s a lot of hard work, but it has been spiritually enriching for me — and hopefully for the residents — seeing the young people working as a Christian community," he said. The elder Blanchard enjoyed "sharing a similar experience" with his son by "helping out those who are less fortunate."

Seeing the condition of the homes that he fixed up on his first WorkCamp was "really sad" for Steve Skiano from St. Louis Parish, Alexandria. "I don’t think anyone should live like that, and that’s why I’m here," he said.

Even though he had been involved with the youth group at Good Shepherd Parish, Chris Jenkins said he wanted to do something different, and this experience gave him a "clearer image as to what some of the residents are going through," he said. "We shared three days of their life with them, and today, over a big peanut butter and jelly lunch feast, we had a big theological discussion. It was great."

"I just said yes to God, and it’s been incredible," said adult volunteer Joseph Berube, who was moving from Maine when he accompanied his friend to WorkCamp. "It’s easy to say no, because there’s not enough time, etc."

"This has brought me closer to Jesus," said Katie Wence, a parishioner at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Purcellville. "We worked really hard, helped each other and had fun."

Wence was at a double site, where they were working both indoors and outdoors. She spent her time scrubbing and painting and was occasionally able to talk to the resident’s children.

"This helps us to grow together as a family and in our faith, especially in this Catholic, small community-style living," said adult volunteer Becky Maurer.

Maurer attended her fourth WorkCamp, accompanied by her two daughters and husband. She was visited there by another daughter, her first grandchild and son-in-law, who also helped out. They were spread out on different work sites during the day, but "we’re together all the time and glad that they’re getting the perspective from another adult about this," she said.

Maurer and her husband even celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary during the week.

One evening, everyone went to nearby Precious Blood Church in Culpeper for the sacrament of reconciliation and Mass.

"I’m very impressed by these young people — especially with this weather — dedicated to helping others," said Father Leo J. Zonneveld, C.I.C.M. "What hope for the world they give."

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