Each year college and high school students travel from across the United States and Canada to spend spring break or part of summer vacation assisting UrbanPromise in work projects and supporting outreach efforts to children and youth of Camden.
Workgroup guests also engage in meaningful reflection on social and political issues facing poor urban communities. This is done in an effort to break down stereotypes and creating meaningful dialogue between local residents and program guests.
We also encourage and welcome local churches and corporate teams to come and serve UrbanPromise on Saturdays or any time throughout the year by assembling teams of people who desire to engage in acts of service like facilities maintenance. UrbanPromise relies heavily on the efforts of volunteers to maintain its facilities.
If you come to Camden on a week long mission trip…
Programs
Each group spends approximately half their time working with children in either our After School or Summer Camp programs. Activities include homework assistance, spiritual development, arts and crafts, sports or special events.
Work Projects
The remainder of the time is spent in various labor projects, skilled or unskilled, ranging from light building repairs, maintenance, cleaning and outside grounds upkeep. This work is a crucial money-saving tool, allowing UrbanPromise to direct more resources to the children.
Special Events
Visiting groups will learn the history of the city and its people. You will tour the city and learn some of the unique aspects of this community. You will also have the opportunity to meet with some of the staff and leadership of UrbanPromise who will lead discussions and lectures on various issues.
Cost
Each group
contributes a minimum of $350 per person. (College student
rates $175 per person.) Groups are responsible for their own food. Kitchen
facilities are available. (The workgroup fee funds
work supplies, lodging, utilities, administrative costs associated
with the workgroup program, Children’s Ministry and/or
AfterSchool program expenses.)
“I bring my college students
each year because I want them to meet Christians who are passionate
about their faith and working for justice in their community.
UrbanPromise provides a very important and meaningful experience
for our students.”
Bill Cutler,
InterVarsity Fellowship Leader
“More happens in the lives of our students in one week with UrbanPromise than in the whole year. The transformation and growth is remarkable.”
Vivien DePeralta,
The College of William and Mary
