Fast Facts About TeenServe

TeenServe is a division of Cross-Walk Ministries, Inc., a non-profit corporation in existence since 1985. TeenServe mission trips are life-changing for everyone who is involved, from the teen and adult participants to the residents of the communities who receive the free home improvements! The first TeenServe mission trip was held in 2000 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin with 186 participants.

What is a TeenServe WorkCamp?
A TeenServe WorkCamp is a one-week mission trip for junior and senior high youth groups. Workcampers “work” during the day and “camp” at a school during the night. 200 to 400+ teens and adult leaders join together to serve people in need, while experiencing life-changing evening programs featuring a nationwide youth speaker (Craig Smith in 2013) and a rock worship band (Phil Joel in 2013). Cost for a WorkCamp is $399.00.

Participants
WorkCamps can be attended by current 7th graders and older. This includes junior and senior high students, as well as college-aged students and adult chaperones (age 21 and older). We ask that there be one adult, age 21 or older for every five students, and at least one adult for each gender.

Projects

Workcamp projects will consist of basic weatherization, painting, construction of steps and wheelchair ramps, as well as other home repair projects as needed. All work is done at no cost to the homeowners. Construction skills are not required. Each person that attends rates their construction skills and projects are assigned accordingly. Highly skilled adults will be assigned to the more difficult projects.

Crews
Crews consist of at least one adult and 4-5 youth. WorkCamp crews are made of people selected from all participants. We do realize that there may be circumstances, which require that WorkCamp crews be made of people from your church, so please indicate your wishes in the “Special Circumstances” field when you register or send us an e-mail.

Meals
TeenServe will provide meals prepared by professional cooks for everybody beginning with Sunday night supper through breakfast on Saturday. WorkCamp participants will be free to have supper at a local restaurant on Wednesday since they will spend Wednesday afternoon experiencing local attractions and recreational activities.

Transportation
Vans, buses, cars and trucks that hold at least six people work the best for transporting your crews during the mission trip. Your adults will be driving the vehicles that you bring. This information will be entered into the TeenServe Youth Leader Center database after you register and TeenServe staff will assign the driver to the crew(s) that need a ride.

Accommodations
Each WorkCamp is housed at a local school in the community we will be serving. TeenServe staff makes several visits to each school to insure acceptable accommodations. We will divide the school into a “girl’s hallway” and a “boy’s hallway.” We suggest you bring an air mattress or cot.

Showers
We use the school locker rooms. If the facility does not have built-in private showers, TeenServe will “privatize” some of them.