This was my first time experiencing the Catholic H.E.A.R.T. Workcamp and I am so glad I did. I did not know that there were things like this—the types of camps that can totally change your life!! I am so happy I got to go to this and I hope to go next year!

I came to the Workcamp expecting a week of hard work, no fun, yucky showers, sleeping quarters, etc. I also expected there to be no cool counselors. I was proved so very, very wrong!! The work really fulfilled me. I got to meet so many new people. My group was very interesting, but we got our house done and we even did extra jobs. We planted a garden because our resident’s husband used to keep a garden when he was alive. The sleeping quarters were nice—no complaints!! The counselors were so cool. I really liked Chris, Jim, Joe and Heather. The talks were really inspiring to me. I am so glad they did that for us. It was very sweet.

The Four Corners prayer activity was very, very emotional for me!! I really enjoyed telling the person my feelings and going to confession, all in one night. That really touched me. I really can’t wait until next year. This was one of the best spiritual experiences of my life. I’m on top of the mountain and not wanting to go back down!!

Katybeth Wolfe, age 16

This week has been amazing! It not only helped me grow physically, but spiritually too. It has been so much fun. Although I missed my friends at home, I learned to be independent. I don’t have to be dependent on my loved ones all the time. I learned I need to have fun and live my life at it’s fullest and to be independent once in awhile.

It showed me how much I have to be thankful for. I’ve realized how unappreciative I’ve been towards my life. I haven’t looked seriously around me. I need to look at those less fortunate than me and reach out to help them. I need to help in my community.

My resident is legally blind. She lives with many relatives. She desperately needed my help and I’m so glad I could help her and her family. When I get home, I will do my best to reach out to people more than I do now.

Mackenzie Valerino, age 15

I had a great experience at the Catholic H.E.A.R.T. Workcamp this year. I learned a lot about my faith and helping others. It was a great opportunity to help the less fortunate of Bluffton, South Carolina.

My work group was assigned to work on a small trailer in which an old man lived with his daughter. The man was not able to get out of his bed. We painted the trailer, which gave the entire place a nicer look. This was a fairly easy project, so on the fourth workday, my work group helped the group that we rode with. At this place, I built a small staircase at the back door of an elderly man’s trailer. I also repaired the front porch by replacing a few plywood panels.

Throughout the week, I’m sure that my small contribution to the city of Bluffton was greatly appreciated by the people who were directly affected by it. Serving others also helped me to realize how fortunate I am to have all that I do. It was a wonderful experience in my life.

Rob Hennessey, age 18

I was totally blown away by this week. When I found out that there was an opening for Workcamp, I took it, knowing that it was God’s plan for me. I had missed so many opportunities before, but this one seemed to be “the one”.

I was nervous; completely, totally overwhelmed. I stopped going to youth group this year for reasons that I myself still haven’t found out. I didn’t know my fellow youth group members. I knew no one, and felt absolutely alone. But God didn’t desert me. He was with me, every step of the way.

I started this week closed minded, self-centered and cynical. But God opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart. He showed me His beautiful grace and I realized I had to lighten up a lot!! Things were going to be all right. The group I worked with at the Bluffton Community Center was absolutely amazing. The kids were energetic, spirited, and ready to serve for God. Our leader was talented and lively, ready to help anyone in need. We worked long and we worked hard, but we got the job done.

This week had impacted my life in such a profound way that I find it indescribable. I am so grateful for everything that happened this week. I would not change a thing, and I can’t wait for next year!

Courtney Athans, age 16

This has been one of the best trips ever. I have learned so much about team work, God and love. Working in groups was one of the best parts. I have grown this week during my Workcamp experience because I have become more confident and outgoing. Usually, I am shy and I don’t like to be alone with a lot of different people that I don’t know. But I got along with my group right away. It was the energy of the people there that helped me a lot.

I am a lot more open to God now. The people running it did a great job in making it interesting. It was so much fun, and we were learning about God. There was singing, dancing, games, and much more. They took us out of our comfort zones and put us in a completely different environment.

We had to go to a worksite and fix up a house. There is sometimes a resident there, but in my case there wasn’t. We had to rake, wash, paint, and clean a 6 room house. We painted the interior and washed the exterior. It was very rewarding at the end when we finished it all. It was an unforgettable experience.

Dustin Chan-Pong, age 14

This Workcamp is the first one I have ever experienced. This has probably had the biggest impact on my life of anything I have ever participated in. I truly felt God’s presence at our camp and worksite.

I was paired with three other teams to work at the Boys and Girls Club. Our teams all came together to get our work done and paint seven large rooms for the children of Beauford to utilize. What probably impacted me the most was the young children I got to interact with. These children touched my life and I will never forget them. I saw God through their little bodies and the hugs they generously gave me. It was awesome that we made a difference and touched all these people.

I am walking away from this experience with mixed feelings. I want to feel like I have worked tremendously hard. This is true. However, I also know that we only completed a small fraction of the work that needs to be done. So many people still need our help. For this reason I would suggest that others consider next year’s camp. (Not to mention it is a ton of fun!)

Angela Aulisio, age 15

This week of doing God’s mission was the most rewarding time of my life. Actually, at first my Mom told me I had to go, but after hearing what went on there I was pretty excited. But I wasn’t expecting a feeling that stayed within my heart and soul.

When I first arrived with my group, I was pretty shy and scared. Through each and every day, my shyness decreased and my friendliness increased. I learned a lot about my work partners, and our team was awesome. The first day we arrived at our house, we realized that this was not a job for five teens. There was roofing and plumbing problems, holes in the walls, carpet removing and the yard needed cleaning. So we went to a totally different place the next three days, having one day gone. Through our friendship, teamwork, and God’s will to do this, motivation brought our house into another home for God. I went from shyness to being known by my group as friendly, funny and putting a smile on their faces everyday.

This week has not only brought me closer to God, but it really made me realize how spoiled and lucky I am for how good my life is. And sometimes I take advantage of things. Hopefully this mission of God will be spread throughout everyone’s life and help make a difference in someone’s life. I never really understood the feeling of God’s love until now!

Cristin Malthaner, age 15

Workcamp is an awesome experience. It is a time of building friendships and a closer relationship with God.

My work group was really cool. We had a lot of fun and worked really hard too. Our resident was so appreciative of everything we did. She was just so happy to have the help. We painted and cleaned up the house. By the end of the week, the house looked so much better.

Workcamp is a great opportunity to reach out to others. It greatly helped to strengthen my faith. I am so thankful for everything I have learned.

Emily Cory, age 17

For sure, I have had one of the best weeks of my life. Getting together with friends and serving others in this environment was not only good for me, but it was a tremendous help for the community of Bluffton and the surrounding areas.

This was my fourth Workcamp and for some reason, every year seems better than the year before it. Everything this year was perfect; my resident was really nice and the programs were great.

Workcamp is a very important part of my youth, a part that I will always remember and carry with me and recall when I need to be reminded of how a true servant is.

Keith Beriswill, age 17

This was my first Workcamp. I’ve taken other trips with my youth group but Workcamp is a unique experience, even when compared to other youth group events. Part of the difference is the experience working together with other teens you’ve never met to serve others.

As promised, Workcamp pushes us out of our comfort zones. When we are not comfortable, we are forced to work with others, trust others, and be open to new things.

Being exposed to the lives and homes of those who live in different circumstances was a shock to me. Serving others at Workcamp was a humbling experience. It taught me that the reason for service is to share God’s love for us with others while seeing God in those we serve.

Julie Schluender, age 17