Wichita WorkCamp FAQ
Who can participate in Wichita WorkCamp?
Teens just finishing 7th grade through 12th grade make up the bulk of our painting crews. Adult sponsors are college age and up.
What will I be doing?
Worksite crews will be scraping off old paint and re-painting homes in the Wichita area. As groups are able, they may decide to do some “extras” for their homeowner, such as planting flowers, purchasing a welcome mat, or signing a card. In some cases, special projects will need to be done, but those will be arranged on a case-by-case basis and worksite leaders will be notified ahead of time.
If your crew gets done early, your crew will be moved to another worksite in progress to ensure that all projects are completed by weeks end.
What will we do besides work?
Besides work time there will be time for rest, recreation, devotionals, and meals together. We encourage you to take part in everything offered so there is balance among all these things. The recreation activities will be optional each day.
Where is Wichita WorkCamp?
Wichita WorkCamp is hosted by the Northside Church of Christ, located at 4545 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67204. Worksites will be at various locations throughout the Wichita area.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need to bring a sack lunch every day. It would be a good idea to wear comfortable and modest clothes and sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting paint on. Above all, please bring an attitude of service and a heart ready to be changed. Leaders should download the Leaders Guide as there are things (trailers, trucks, vans etc.) that groups need to bring.
What is the dress code?
Each worker should DRESS MODESTLY. During the workday, long shorts and t-shirts are fine. Don’t wear anything that you don’t mind getting paint on.
Girls: Do not wear revealing tank tops or short shorts. We do not want to see anyone’s sports bra.
Guys: You must wear a shirt at all times. No tank tops. Do not cut away the sides and turn it into a cape.
How do I prepare our kids?
We recommend that you spend some time teaching them about the Biblical commands & examples of service and also the attitude with which you are to serve. You can also spend some time doing some practical service projects that will help prepare your teens (repainting a room in your church building, scraping & painting one of your member’s homes, etc.) Again, download the Leaders Guide.
What are some “insider tips” for Leaders to make this trip successful?
Leaders, make it fun. Come up with a creative name for your crew and give your kids nicknames.
Have your workcrew do something special for the homeowner (plant flowers, buy a welcome mat, housewarming gift or sign a card)
Keep things spiritual. You’ll be leading your group devotional & discussion during lunch at the worksite. These devotional topics and scriptures will be provided in your workcrew packet. But, take time to pray as a group before you work and before you leave. Watch for those students who serve like Jesus and take the time to point it out.
Be positive. The work will be hard and as the week wears on, you’ll get more tired and cranky. But, take time to look for kids who are working extra hard, cooperating well, have a good attitude and point these things out to thank them. Have a good time. Get to know your kids. Smile and enjoy helping others.
Bring a digital camera. We take lots of pictures. We have lots of teams working at any given time. We’ll need all adult leaders to take pictures of their crews during the week.
What is the schedule?
Please see the Website “Schedule” link for current information.
Can our kids be together on the same crew, OR can we request that Tara be with Tami?
Your teens are together all the time at their own churches, but at WorkCamp they won’t all be on the same work crews throughout the week. We want to encourage students to meet new people and get to know other Christian teenagers. It is a powerful opportunity to open up new relationships and build new bonds. As the body of Christ, we need to get to know each of the other parts. This is why we intentionally divide up the workers. It’s a little awkward at first, but after a week of working and sharing together, they’ll have formed some good friendships. Team assignments are mostly done randomly; however, if you have a legitimate reason why two teens should (or shouldn’t) be together, please just let us know.
In addition, your kids are only separated during work times. They will have plenty of opportunities to be together during meals, devotionals & recreational activities. If you are from outside the Wichita area and need a place to stay, you will be with other people from your group in your host home.
How much does WWC Cost?
The Wichita WorkCamp is priced per person. See website for current information.
Do adults need to pay?
Yes. Your registration fee pays for the individual supplies & food necessary. That being said, we do want to encourage groups to come. We need 1 adult for each 5 teens to make WorkCamp happen. So, if this is cost prohibitive to your group, contact us and we can make necessary arrangements as needed to ensure your participation.
College groups are unique. Please contact us.
How do I register?
All instructions are online at wichitaworkcamp.org
What if a student registers, then can’t go?
Registration fees are used to purchase supplies based on our registration numbers. So, if you cancel, you’ll just lose your registration money. However, if you registered with a group, someone else can go in your spot provided they are with your group. You will need to contact us with the new person’s information.
What if I miss the deadline?
The posted cutoff deadline is firm. We have to have time to organize work crews. The only exception to this is for adults, because we need lots of adults! If you are an adult and you missed the deadline, contact us at info@wichitaworkcamp,.org or call 316-838-5200.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
All attendees to Wichita WorkCamp must have health insurance of some type. We are taking every precaution to make sure you are safe while you are here. However, in the event that something does happen, we need to make sure that everyone is covered against a serious injury and any complications that may arise.
If you do not have health insurance, check online. There are several sites that offer temporary health insurance at reasonable prices. We do not endorse any particular one, so you will have to do your own homework.
I (or someone I know) have a house that needs painting. How do I get this done?
There is no end to the number of people who would gladly let us paint their home for free. But, Wichita WorkCamp is a need-based program that primarily seeks to serve those individuals in the Wichita area who are: (1) physically unable to scrape and/or re-paint their own home, and (2) financially unable to hire someone to do the work. All homes must be owner-occupied. If you (or someone you know) is physically unable to paint their home and/or is financially unable to hire the work, please contact us. Give us your name, house address, and best contact phone number. Once the house has been inspected and the degree of need has been assessed, we will put it on our list of potential worksites. Homes are listed in order of greatest need first. We never guarantee a house can be painted until after our registration deadline has passed because it depends on how many workers we have registered. You will be notified about two weeks prior to WorkCamp if we can paint your home or not. Also, there are only two color options: white and beige.