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
