There Are Really Good Kids Out There
By Tim Nolan
Having spent a week on workcamp with teens from our parish and around the country, sometimes I get asked why I do this. It started when my son returned from his first trip and said, “Dad, next year you have to come with us.” Who says no to a teenager who wants to spend time with a parent.
These trips begin with hours in a minivan with a group from our area parishes. You learn a lot about people when you have time to listen and devote yourselves to them. Once they get to know each other they really speak from the heart. At camp, we are broken into new groups who will serve together all week. My group of 5 youth and 2 adults—each from a different parish and most of us having never met before begins new conversations and relationships. At our worksite, the youth introduce themselves to Ed & Karen who are so thrilled to have us in their home. They ask the kids questions and in turn the kids ask them questions. Our task is to build a wheelchair ramp and clean up around the house, yet these youth are equally engaged in forming new relationships with the residents.
Workcamp is a safe place where the youth express and explore their faith. Each day begins with Mass at 6:30 AM, and we close each day with praise & worship through engaging music, youth testimony time for reflection and plenty of fun. We are privileged to see the faith of these kids be expressed in so many different ways.
For myself and the other adult leaders, we are able to witness and be comfortable that the future is bright. As these youth grow, they have a firm foundation of the tools needed for their future. I look forward to seeing them grow and mature. I know they will do great!
