Colcord, West Virginia – June 24-July 2
April 17, 2017
Dear Summer Work Trip Participants,
We are beginning our preparations for our summer work trip to Colcord, West Virginia. The dates of the work trip are Saturday, June 24th – Sunday, July 2nd. The trip is open to students entering Ninth Grade through those who are graduating High School. Space on the trip is open first to those who have participated in BPC’s youth program and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If additional space is available after May 21st, (and there usually are!) we open the trip to friends.
Here are the answers to some questions you might have…
How much does it cost? The cost is $700.00. This covers just about everything except the snack food you buy on the trip.
Leadership? Leadership is provided by a team of adults from BPC, including Paul Alcorn, Pastor of BPC, and Kathy DiBiasi, BPC’s Director of Education. There is a minimum of one adult leader for every 3-4 high school students.
Who are we working with? We will be working with the West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Work Camps (WVMAW). For more information please visit the group’s website.
Where do we stay? On the trip down and back we spend one night each way at a Presbyterian church along our route. While in Colcord, WV, we will be staying in the church manse. It is a three-story older house. Most of the 8 bedrooms have bunk beds, and can sleep 25. There are plenty of bathrooms, six showers and a fully equipped kitchen. Also lots of outdoor space for fun and recreation.
Can friends come? We first open the trip to church members and those who have participated in our youth programs. If there is still space available after May 21st, friends will be considered and notified. If you have friends who would like to go please have them be in touch with us so we can get them the information about our trip.
What work will we be doing? The specific work is arranged for us by WVMAW. As we get closer to the time for the trip, we will have a clearer idea of just what work we will be doing. Last year we put in a new trailer floor, a handicap ramp, and fixed two porches to make them safe for homeowners.
How do we get there? BPC’s van and two vans we borrow from Holmes Presbyterian Center. We take two days to drive down and two days to drive home. We also use the vans to get to our work sites each day.
Why do we do it? There are five reasons for our work trips…
- To help others
- To experience a different cultural setting from our own
- To learn with and from those with whom we work
- To share the experience of living, working and having fun together
- To live out God’s commandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves
Here is information you will need (and we will need!) as we continue to get ready.
BPC Forms:
West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps Forms:
- Liability Release form (included in link above)
- Medical Information form (included in link above)
- Parental Release form (included in link above)
- Severe Food Allergy Form (if applicable)
Payment deposit of $350 is due by May 21st. Please make checks payable to Bedford Presbyterian Church. You are welcome to pay the full amount of $700 at this time.
Please return ALL forms to the church by June 4th or bring them with you to our Work Trip Meeting on June 4th (see below) along with your final payment of $350.00. Please make checks payable to Bedford Presbyterian Church.
On Sunday, June 4th at 11:30, there will be a Work Trip Meeting to go over information and details for our trip and to answer any questions you or your parents have. We will meet in the Sanctuary. A parent needs to attend this meeting with you!
ALSO PLEASE NOTE:
On June 4th our high school youth will be holding a Car Wash Fundraiser. All proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to support our West Virginia work trip. We encourage all of you to participate. The Car Wash Fundraiser begins at 9:30 AM and continues through the 10:00 worship service. So come early and participate in the Car Wash Fundraiser and then head to the 11:30 AM Work Trip Meeting!
If you have any questions before our meeting please call or email one of us.
Paul Alcorn and Kathy DiBiasi
