Rockford Work Camps [A Project of Rockford Urban Ministries] (Rockford)
Rockford Work Camps provide volunteer labor to help better the city's low-income neighborhoods, food pantries, homeless shelters, and environmentally protection areas. Rockford Work Camps (RWC) is a project of Rockford Urban Ministries.
Project/Focus: Home repair/rehab, painting, cleaning, drywall, deck/porch/wheelchair ramp construction, siding, landscaping. Some groups serve at food pantries, soup kitchens and food banks. Projects may also include natural prairie restoration and/or assisting with children/youth programs. Full-time staff person oversees work during the summer.
Educational/Advocacy Components: An "urban tour" and one evening program on the history of the city and of the low income housing development provided by Rockford Urban Ministries staff (upon request). Groups are encouraged to design their own programs and devotional times for the evening.
Time: Work camps run throughout the year with most groups serving during June, July and August.
Group Size: Anywhere from 5 to 120 maximum, special accommodations for larger or smaller groups available.
Minimum age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:3 for Junior High volunteers; 1:4 for Senior High Volunteers.
Conditions: Housing is provided by local churches with use of kitchen facilities. Groups provide own food and bedding. Showers are available at two of the churches, (Second Congregational UCC) or the local YMCA. If more formal accommodation is desired, a nearby retreat center is available for housing at an additional cost. Bring your favorite tools.
Cost: $200 non-refundable initial donation needed to confirm reservation. An additional $20 per day per person covers operational expenses and staff leadership (due before group arrives). Donations for tools and building materials are welcome, but we allow the spirit to move you as to how much.
