UrbanPromise

WorkGroups

UrbanPromise WorkGroups provide unique community service and team-building opportunities to groups of between 10-40 individuals. We welcome teams of all kinds-from churches, youth groups, corporations, high schools, colleges, etc.-to spend a weekend or entire week engaging in service projects and/or assisting with our after-school and summer camps.

Complete the WorkGroup Application

Weekend & Weekday WorkGroups

Groups interested in one-day WorkGroup experiences are welcome on Saturdays and weekdays throughout the year. Saturday workdays typically last between four to six hours; weekday workdays are usually two to four hours long. As our organization relies heavily on the efforts of volunteers to maintain our facilities, one-day work projects usually include indoor and outdoor maintenance, yard work, cleaning, painting, and light construction.

The following special WorkGroup days are being held throughout the 2012-2013 year as part of UrbanPromise's 25th anniversary: October 6, November 17, December 1, January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27 and June 6. If these dates do not work for your team, please contact Marcus Bell, WorkGroup coordinator, to inquire about arranging a different day and time.

Throughout the course of a year, 850 individuals volunteer for a day or week through our WorkGroup Program. Participants come from across the country and several parts of Canada to serve the city of Camden and UrbanPromise youth.

As an alternative to the traditional college spring break, last year, 157 students traveled to our city to participate in a week-long WorkGroup during the months of March and April.

Because of our WorkGroups' 7,533 hours of labor over the past year, UrbanPromise has saved thousands of dollars that would have been spent on facilities maintenance, resource management, and staffing costs.

Weeklong WorkGroups

Each year, churches, youth groups, and college and high school students* travel from across the United States and Canada to spend spring break or part of summer vacation assisting with work projects and supporting UrbanPromise's youth outreach efforts. WorkGroups also engage in meaningful reflection and discussions on the challenges and issues that affect urban communities in an effort to increase awareness and break down stereotypes.

Projects & Programs: WorkGroups spend about half of their time working with children in our after-school or summer camps and the remaining half assisting with facility upkeep and small construction projects. Activities with youth include homework assistance, spiritual development, arts and crafts, sports, and special events. Labor projects, both skilled and unskilled, range from light building repair, painting, cleaning, and grounds upkeep.

Cost: WorkGroup fees are $375 per person. A $500 payment is due two weeks before your start date. The remainder can be paid upon your arrival. The WorkGroup fee provides for work supplies, lodging, utilities, and costs associated with after-school and summer camps and the WorkGroup program. Groups are responsible for their own food. Kitchen facilities are available.

School Year Sample Schedule:
7:30-8:15 a.m. - Devotions
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Campus and community work projects and lunch
3:00-5:30 p.m. - After-school camp assignments
5:30-9:00 p.m. - Dinner and evening activity

Summer Sample Schedule:
7:30-8:15 a.m. - Devotions
8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. - Summer camp assignments and lunch
2:30-6:00 p.m. - Campus and community work projects
6:00-9:00 p.m. - Dinner and evening activity

*If individuals in your group are younger than high school age, please contact Marcus to make special arrangements