Local Youth Prepare For Annual Work Camp

By Darlene Jackson

More than 200 gathered for breakfast at the Fireside Inn Saturday morning to help sponsor the 51 young people preparing for Work Camp 2001 sponsored by the Newtown Congregational Church.

The campers, many of them returning to Work Camp for the second, third, or fourth year, will be going to Welch, W.Va., and will be — according to a favorite work camp slogan —  “helping people in need. Serving without asking anything in return. Living as Christ asked me to live.”

All the campers opened the program with a song and, after serving the full breakfast meal, they continued to entertain the diners throughout the morning with skits, a before-and-after fashion show, and testimonials. Carl Lindquist, with his guitar, accompanied and directed most of the entertainment. A slide show of last year’s camp and campers was shown and there were door prizes for many donated by local merchants.

Testimonials all spoke of the benefits of Work Camp, even though many admitted that sleeping on a gym floor, waiting in line for a shower, working hard in the hot sun, and early morning reveille were not what they originally had in mind for summer vacation. One returning camper talked about how to impress the ladies with the proper tee shirt.

Some of the chaperons participated in a skit that featured the proper attire for the trip, including earmuffs and eye masks, but that was all in fun. The chaperons even entertained with a Lindquist rendition of “On Top of Ole’ Smokey” poking fun at some of the less fulfilling incidents at the prior camp – snoring, losing a toothbrush, hard floors, and painting until all the paint was used.

Other testimonials were very soulful. Courtney MacRae’s older sister Darien MacRae Grover sent a letter that her mother, Michelle MacRae, read that brought many tears she was 22 and a senior in college when she volunteered as a chaperone upon her mother’s suggestion. Portions of her testimony read: “Because of my age, I felt a closeness to the campers and formed many close friendships with both the youth and the adult chaperones. Much to my surprise, I also found the faith that had always been a quiet shadow in my heart. It was always there, it just needed a little nudge into the spotlight.

“For those of you who have been to camp in the past you are aware of the life changing impact the week has on you. For those who are new to the group, you are soon to become part of an experience that will change you life in a way you never thought possible. I discovered another whole world, one from which I had been sheltered. Fears of poverty were quickly dispelled as I got to know the residents we were serving. They were quiet, godly people, rich in things we take for granted.”

Courtney, a third year camper, expressed Work Camp this way:

“Work Camp is a representation of true Christian love; a week of learning about yourself and learning that you can do things that you never thought you were capable of achieving; learning to work alongside total strangers whose common goal is to serve God through helping other human beings. Someone with a strong faith going into Work Camp strengthens that faith. Those with little or no faith find their eyes opened to a faith that cannot be taught, only experienced.”

Additional testimonials were given by Jessie Davis, Kara Kunst, Tim Robinson, Stephanie Wiedemann, and Michael Hayes.

Ellen Kunst, one of the 11 chaperones, opened the program and a blessing was given by the Rev Robert Weiss of St Rose Church. Some young people from St Rose and Valley Presbyterian will be part of Work Camp 2001. The Rev Janice Touloukian, associate minister, of Newtown Congregational Church gave the benediction. Mr Lindquist played guitar as Courtney MacRae sang “I Believe” to close the program.

Other chaperones are Bob Morlath, Margee Czel, Ilse Foster, Jim Rodrigues, Donna Miklaszewski, Ellen and Kyle Kunst, Ron Davis, Vinnie Napoleone, Mr Lindquist, and the Rev Steven Gordon, Senior Minister at NCC.

Entertainers during breakfast were Kathy Bartek, Tim Barrett, Evan Graves, Miss MacRae, Kacey Miklaszewski, Kristin Mulrane, Tony Napoleone, Janette Rancourt, Mr Robinson, Grey Smith, Steve Truitt, Mark Walrath, Tanya Whippie, and Miss Wiedemann.

Committee advisors are Mrs Miklaszewski, Linda Lysaght, Ms Czel, Mrs Foster, Janis Solheim, Anna Wiedemann, Mr Morlath, and Mr Lindquist.

Hostesses for the morning besides those on the advisory committee were Cathy Robinson and Pat Barrett.

Tables were brought by sponsors and those attending left donations for the campers at the table. Additionally, members of the Congregational Church have been leaving donations at the coffee hours sponsored by the campers and have individually chosen to sponsor campers. Anyone wishing to participate in sponsorship should contact the Congregational Church for more information.