WorkGroups (Team Volunteer Opportunities)

Saturday Work Days:

We encourage and welcome local churches, corporate teams, and other groups to come and serve UrbanPromise on Saturdays throughout the year. UrbanPromise relies heavily on the efforts of volunteers to maintain our facilities. Work projects may include indoor and outdoor maintenance, yard work, cleaning, painting, and light construction. 

Saturday work days are typically scheduled for 4-6 hours. Please refer to the WorkGroup Calendar for available dates.  

Corporate Teams:

UrbanPromise welcomes corporate teams seeking team-building opportunities through service projects. Teams are welcome on weekdays and Saturdays throughout the year.  Please contact Jess to schedule your group.

Week-Long WorkGroup Service Trips:

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 with work projects and supporting outreach efforts to Camden's youth. WorkGroups also engage in meaningful reflection on social and political issues facing poor urban communities in an effort to break stereotypes.  

During a week-long service trip your group will participate in:

Programs

Each group spends approximately half their time working with children in either our AfterSchool Program or Summer Camps. Activities include homework assistance, spiritual development, arts and crafts, sports, or special events.

Work Projects

The remainder of group time is spent in various labor projects, skilled or unskilled, ranging from light building repairs, maintenance, and cleaning to outside grounds upkeep. This work is a crucial money-saving tool, allowing UrbanPromise to direct more resources to our 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 $350 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.

• “We learned so much…the time we spent with you, I think God is still teaching me. I think often on “The poor you will always have with you” and “Loving Wastefully.” As we continue to move on with our lives we continue to set money aside for UP in our “Camden Piggy Bank.” Theresa, Rick & Joe, Orcas Island Community Church

• “I don’t think it was fate that brought us here. A group of 27 (weird) people from good ol’ Oklahoma. I’d wanted to come on this trip 7 years ago, as soon as I heard people share about Camden…but I was not yet old enough to go…the children have blessed us…thank you!” Lydia Frost, McFarlin Memorial UMC

• “We had an amazing time! Thanks for all your work for the kingdom.” Matt Rudd, Vineland CMA

• “I just wanted to let you know that I had an amazing time last week. I am very sad to be back into my daily life. Those little 1st graders have made a huge impression on my heart. You are very correct about the processing part of the trip. I am not sure how long it will take to process all that I have seen and experienced. I just know now that the biggest question is…what can I do now for UrbanPromise and the kids? I will be praying that God reveals that to me.” Heather Snyder, Azusa Pacific University