WorkCamp 2026 was a week-long experience providing the teens of the Diocese with an opportunity to encounter Christ through service, faith, and fellowship.
Our Nativity teens share their witness and experiences:
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Grayson
Hi, I’m Grayson. This was my first year at workcamp. Going into workcamp I didn’t really know what to expect. I heard about it from hearing the 2025 workcampers’ testimonies at mass. But, it was way better and way more impactful than I realized before I went. I really enjoyed the great homilies and talks from Fr. Ricky and sister Liz. I also really enjoyed adoration and confession, especially when Bishop Burbage walked past our parish carrying the monstrance with Jesus Christ our Lord. It was also pretty cool that we had shirts with a picture of adoration on the back (Great job Lyla). I also enjoyed going to mass and receiving the Eucharist every day. Workcamp was really so empowering for me because of the great community. My crew and I replaced four windows and remodeled a bathroom for an elderly lady who was unable to have the work done on her own. At the end of workcamp it wasn’t so important that we finished our project or did it perfectly. It was about sharing the love Jesus shared with us to our resident we served and everyone we encounter.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Brady
Hello I’m Brady Novitske, I am 17 years old and go to lake Braddock secondary school. I just got back from a week long trip from work camp. This was my first time at work camp and going into it I didn’t know what to expect. During work camp I got to see new living conditions others had to go through. I also met the nicest people to work with including my resident. This incredible experience grew me closer to god in every way possible so, thank you for all the donations and your generosity.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Anya
Coming into work camp I felt extremely grateful to have gone my third year this year. Thanks to nativity, me and over 20 other teens were able to devote ourselves to God this week and be able to grow more with our personal connections with the Lord, and also with each other. I feel blessed and I couldn’t have imagined going to work camp through a better parish. Seeing all my friends grow with God just like me makes everything we went through that week worth it. I was blessed with helping my resident in replacing a new deck so it was more accessible for them for their daily lives and to get rid of the rotting wood they had around the house for their health. I thank everyone that made it possible for me to be able to attend work camp this year and everyone i attended with, Thank you Nativity parish. God bless.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Hunter
Hello, my name is Hunter Hackbarth. I am 16 and go to Lake Braddock secondary school. This is my second year at workcamp I went in thinking I knew exactly what to expect but I quickly realize there was still a lot of families that needed our help in our community, it also helped build up my faith life that my first year helped me to grow. Thank you for your support and generosity on our trip to workcamp.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Tyler
Hi, my name is Tyler and this was my first year attending Workcamp. At first, I was not excited to go to Workcamp and I did not think it would impact me the way it did. Everyone told me that the food was not that good and the showers were very unpleasant. They were definitely right, but I still enjoyed Workcamp a lot. Workcamp really helped me grow in my faith and make many new friends, while helping people who really needed help. Going to daily mass every morning and singing songs of praise during program every night brought me so much closer to God. Before I went to Workcamp sometimes I felt like I had to be perfect and that God was waiting for me to make a mistake. During Workcamp, I was reassured by listening to the priests and other speakers at Workcamp that God loves me no matter what and he wants to help me whenever I am struggling. Even though I never met my resident, it was great to hear how much our work meant to the other residents that we served. During Workcamp I also got better at using power tools by replacing my residents old skirting and building new stairs. Overall, Workcamp was nothing like anything I had experienced before and I am very thankful that I was able to go.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Katie
Workcamp is always such a life changing experience. This year was my second time attending workcamp, and despite having such an amazing time last year, I wasn’t as excited this year as I was expecting. But my attitude changed completely the second I saw my community of catholic teens all lit up with the Holy Spirit. A big thing I took away from this year, was that WE are the body of Christ. WE are His church. The community that Workcamp brings together is extraordinary.
A bunch of teens taking a week out of their summer to do manual labor, wake up early, having to wait in long shower lines just to take a cold shower, and have peanut butter and jelly sandwich’s every day, that doesn’t sound like we would have a good time, right? But that’s not what Workcamp is about. It’s about Jesus Christ speaking and working through us to reform our souls. Throughout this week, we took on the body of Christ, and showed His love to others. That alone got my through the week. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, and I am forever changed. Thank you so much, God bless.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Jacob
Hello my name is Jacob Welsh. This year I went to Work Camp for the first time and it was an awesome experience. I was able to meet new friends and connect with people in a deeper way. The daily mass and the variety of worship services, especially the adoration and confession greatly helped me deepen my relationship with God. Working on the site was also a very enjoyable experience especially being able to connect with residents. In conclusion, Work Camp was a very good experience that helped me grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically by allowing me to pick up skills that are useful in day-to-day life.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Bridget
This year, I attended Work Camp for the second time. Even though I had the most amazing experience last year, I still had my doubts about going back. Work Camp involves a lot of sacrifice: you give up your phone, your comfort, and your time to go out and do construction work in the summer heat. If that were all there is to Work Camp, I’m not sure that anyone would be willing to return. But in reality, it is so much more. Even though it is challenging, the joy, community, and faith that I have found through Work Camp is unmatched. This year, I was blessed with the most amazing crew. As we worked hard to replace our resident’s roof, we developed Christ-centered friendships through daily devotionals and shared laughter. The work itself was difficult, but we were able to lean on each other and on God to get it done in the end.
Work Camp is such a beautiful experience because it is so hard. Throughout this past week, God gave us a unique opportunity to make sacrifices out of love for Him and one another. As it says in John Chapter 15 verse 13: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for a friend.” This week at Work Camp, we were able to “lay down our lives” in small ways in order to spread God’s unconditional love to our residents and crew members. I am so blessed to have been able to go to Work Camp this year, and I look forward to returning again next year.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Lucas
Good afternoon Nativity, my name is Lucas Gotico. This past Friday, I came back from work camp and I’m up here to share my testimony. Like some of the people up here, I was forced to go to work camp. However it helped me grow in many ways. I created so many Christ-centered relationships and became family with the people I met. For example in my crew, our contractor was this big tough dude with a big truck. On the last day when everyone was leaving I saw him bawling his eyes out after being together for four days, which made me realize what God can do in a short amount of time. It turned strangers you have never met into family. During my work camp experience, my crew and I were assigned to build a deck and replace 2 doors. I learned many new skills including how to make concrete and how to work with wood. Making concrete is not fun. We did not finish sadly but the diocese makes sure all unfinished projects get finished. While building a deck I also took time to meet the people in the crew. I learned that most of them are in theater. At first I thought it was going to be a long week, but they made the time go by faster with all their singing and dancing. I also learned I can’t sing. Another big thing was the program. At first I didn’t like it but after leaning into it I started to enjoy it. The program is where everyone congregates and worships God through song and dance. There is also a night of adoration and confession which changed many people. I could really feel God as the bishop walked by with Jesus. It really made me feel grateful to be there. Work camp is hard, but it also teaches you and is God’s calling. Thank you.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Seth R.
This week I encountered Christ more than I ever have before. The fact of being around so many devoted Christians all working on their relationship with Christ made me strive to find his voice too. A time I especially found Christ this week was during adoration. The silence of it made it easier to speak with God. I talked with him and had an amazing conversation. And in that moment it felt like he was telling me everything is going to be okay in my future. Over the week I slowly built my faith my praying before meals, going to church every day, and saying night prayer. But one other thing I did had the most impact on me, which was doing devotionals with my crew. My crew were very close and bonded, and during devotionals built our bond even greater in Christ. Talking about God’s love and our experience with Workcamp made me think more deeply about faith and Jesus. As me and my crew worked this week, I saw the living conditions others were in, it made me greatful for all the big and smalls gifts God has given to me. And it inspired me to help has much as I can so that they can feel safe and be reassured. Leaving workcamp wont stop me trying to grow in my relationship with God. I want to start going to adoration and confession more often, and thank God throughout the day, that he has given me the gift of life.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Liam
Hello, My name Liam and this was my first year at WorkCamp. Attending WorkCamp was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I went in expecting a service trip, but what I found was a community where faith, friendship, and purpose came together in a way I had never experienced before. Everyday at WorkCamp reminded me that service is not just about fixing homes it’s about restoring hope of the people who need it most. Where we were building ramps, repairing floors, or painting walls, we were also building relationships with the residents we served. What surprised me the most about WorkCamp was how it changed me. The evening programs, the music, the talks, and the quiet moments of prayer helped me see my faith in a new light. Being surrounded by hundreds of teens who were all trying to grow their faith gave me a sense of belonging that I had not experienced before. WorkCamp taught me that discipleship isn’t complicated it’s choosing to show up, to help, to listen, and to love. Even though I left WorkCamp tired, sunburned and sore I also felt renewed, inspired, and grateful. It strengthened my faith, deepened my friendships, and gave me a clearer sense of who god is calling me to be. I will carry the lessons and memories from WorkCamp with me for the rest of my life. Thank you
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Emily
Hello! My name is Emily Pryor and this was my third Workcamp. This Workcamp has been an extremely beautiful and joyful experience for me. I helped build a deck and replace doors with my wonderful (albeit rambunctious) double crew. Despite the week’s many challenges, I had an incredible experience building a more personal relationship with God and being able to share his love with my residents and the people around me. I had deep spiritual discussions, made friends, had delicious pb&js, and wonderful early mornings with heavenly wake up music. It was a truly joyful experience and I will definitely be back for a fourth time next year.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Owen
I am grateful i got to go to workcamp for the first time this summer. I had the chance to meet new people and make life long friends. I had a fun time at workcamp because it felt like a place where i can be myself and grow closer to God. While i was there i got to rebuild a porch for a resident that was renovating her house and learned skills i can use during my life. Overall i had a really fun time at workcamp and if you’re hesitant on going just lean into it.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Agnes
My name is Agnes Matiasek and this past week I participated in the diocesan workcamp for the first time. Workcamp is a different experience for each person and sometimes it can be very hard to put it into words exactly how your life changes at workcamp but I will try my best to explain how this week changed me. Going into workcamp, I had heard a lot about it both from family and classmates. I was excited to go to workcamp because it contained many of the things I enjoy: music, adoration, confession, and meeting new people and serving the community. The one thing I was not sure of was how workcamp would impact me. During the week, I had a lot of fun. Working alongside my crew, singing with the other workcampers in the evening and talking with people during dinner. This week the thing that most stuck out to me was the amount of joy I felt. The whole week there were very few times I felt unhappy and those times got less frequent as the week went on. During the week I did not feel changed. I felt the same as when I arrived at workcamp. However, looking back I can see how my life changed in little ways. I did not have a big dramatic rededication to God as some of the other workcampers did but I found a source of joy in praise and worship songs, in prayer, but most importantly in sharing my faith with others and gaining friends that supported me in my faith both within my crew and within nativity . Through these new relationships I was relieved of some of the burden of loneliness I have been experiencing for a while now. But this week also helped my loneliness because it helped me accept the cure: God’s love and friendship with me. For a long time I have known about God’s love and the greatness of It, but this week I was able to accept it and surrender to it, removing the loneliness I felt almost completely. I would never have had that experience if it was not for the encouragement of my family and Nativity parish so thank you and God bless you for supporting of my fellow workcampers and I.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Madelyn
Although this was my second year at WorkCamp, I was still hesitant. My first few days consisted of early mornings, long days, and restless nights. However, the opportunity to serve others has allowed me to further embody Christ’s purpose for me. Not only was I able to provide for those in need, but deepen my relationship with God. Through adoration, devotional talks, and growing close with my community, I learned that our God is not a distant God, and to always call upon Him in times of need. I pray that everyone is given the chance to experience the peace and joy WorkCamp has to offer. Towards the end, my bond with both Christ and my perish reached its peak. Being in a room full of teens with the same intentions to praise God was truly inspiring. WorkCamp never fails to remind me of all the great things God is capable of, and always reminds me of His immense love. Thank you for everyone’s numerous prayers and support, and thank you Nativity for the life changing experience!
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Seth L.
Hello my name is Seth Loeffert, I just graduated from west Springfield and I will be attending George Mason in the fall. This was my second work camp and I had a wonderful and impactful time this year. Like my fellow work campers I was not looking forward to the cold outdoor showers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and bad sleep, but I was looking forward to countless hours of prayer and reflection between God and myself including confession, adoration, and daily Mass with a cast of amazing priests, deacons, and seminarians. I fostered close relationships with priests, seminarians, and adult crew leaders throughout my time at Stonewall Jackson high school, where we were camped out during the time not spent working. I grew closer to my mom and brother over this week through our shared suffering. Thank you Nativity for your generous contributions in the form of prayers, donations, and serving alongside me as crew leaders, friends and priests. I hope many high schoolers come to find the same joy I did at work camp through your support in the future. Thank you again and have a wonderful week.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Clark
This year was my first year at Work Camp. I was unable to attend last year (my freshman year summer), but thankfully made it this year. My brother, Seth, went 2 years ago and had amazing things to say about the camp. Everything he told me came to life, from the absolutely amazing community to the astounding spiritual growth. I became so much closer to not only all my nativity people, but also everyone i met due to our shared love of Christ. I loved my work crew, which i was nervous about before, loved the food, and even the cold showers and pb & js! If someone were to ask me about the spiritual growth or any other aspect they’re nervous about, I would simply tell them to “lean into it”. You will not regret going in the slightest. The community of priests and religious life that surround you as well as the joy in everyone’s hearts throughout the week helped deepen my striving to live as the apostles did in Acts 2:42-47 as well as loving those around myself more and more.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
JP
Hello. My name is JP, I am 15 years old and I go to Robinson Secondary School. This was my first year at WorkCamp and it was an incredible experience. Going into WorkCamp, I was very nervous to talk to and meet new people, but the community I found there was nothing like I could’ve expected. Being surrounded by people who share the same faith allowed me to confidently share, celebrate, and grow my love for the Lord. Additionally, everybody was super friendly, and I was able to make many of amazing friends in such a short amount of time, I am very grateful that I was able to go through this experience thanks to all the support and generosity from Nativity.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Zoey
Hi, my name is Zoey. This year was my first year at work camp. I learned a lot about myself and my faith this week. In my planning to attend work camp, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard that work camp was a life-changing experience but I didn’t know what that meant. God spoke to me throughout the week, mostly through all the talks and homilies given to us. Overall, I grew in my understanding of God and His love for me. He showed me that he is real, that he listens to me, and hears my prayers. God shows his love to me in wondrous ways and not only during mass. He shows me His love through my family and friends, my music, my pets, my sports, and my hobbies. Work Camp was such a wonderful experience for me and I’m hoping to go back next year and continue to learn more about myself and my faith.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Bryce
Workcamp is an amazing experience that really changed my life.
I’m kind of a shy guy but I grew and relied on new social skills because I was on a team of five people I’d never met before. We learned each other’s personalities and their strengths and eventually how to work together and communicate as a team. Because we all put in our maximum effort, we came home a week later with a new group of friends.
The jobs each of us did required us to lean into new and foreign tasks. Building a deck for a family allowed me to learn how to use a circular saw and a chop saw. Before workcamp, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you the difference between them, and now I know when to use them and how to do it safely! At home base, I enjoyed playing new games and learning new dances and songs. Whatever people were up to, I just decided to go with it!
I don’t think I’m the only teenage boy here who typically sleeps in until 9…or 10….or noon. So, you would be shocked to hear that waking up at 6:30 every morning was so not bad, that I kinda liked getting daily mass and more work done each day! Not only did we get mass each day, but we got to share and explore our faith on the way to the worksite, at lunch break and on our way back to home base. On top of all that, program each night after dinner exposed us to so many unique and powerful testimonies and faith journeys. What I got out of those shared stories is that no matter where you are in your faith, you can always find something, some way to come back to God.
Finally, workcamp really allowed me to face my own limitations and unknown strengths. There are amazing opportunities to grow and to learn about yourself through doing things that you can’t usually try at home. For instance, after years of building with Legos and craft kits…it was really cool to see that I can build something real. Something that people will use and benefit from for years.
I am so excited to share my story with you, a changed and grown person. I can’t wait to do this again and I hope there is someone out there who can hear my message and decide to join me next summer!
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Felipe
Hello, I’m Felipe and this was my 2nd year of WorkCamp. Once again, it was a life-changing experience that I will never forget. After being informed of my participation my 1st year, I chose to do it again, to my dad’s surprise. Additionally, I made multiple friends my first year who also accompanied me again as well. At WorkCamp, we are all randomly assigned crews of 4-5 other teens and an adult crew leader, all of whom we had never met before, and over the week, we became very close. Our discussions and advice we gave to each other were very inspiring and helpful.
Every day, at 7 in the morning, we went to mass. I was seated in the midst of a 1000 other teens, listening to amazing homilies and receiving the Eucharist. The priests were always welcoming and their experiences and wisdom were always very fascinating to listen to. In the evening, after everyone showers and eats, we gather for program. Every day, we had amazing musicians and speakers preach and sing for us. It is astonishing how many teens were there, worshiping and praising God. Some days, we had special events, like adoration and confession. This was the highlight of the week, as this was where the Lord came to me and opened my heart.
The week is not just for your own benefit, but the benefit of others as well. As one of the sisters at our camp said, “Next to the Eucharist, our neighbor is the most holy object presented to you.” When you come to someone’s home and assist with repairs, you have no idea how much that means to them. My residents were beyond grateful that they could safely step out onto their new deck without fear of falling through, as well as the new windows put in to keep their home warm. There were also 3 young girls on our site, the daughters of the resident, who loved eating lunch, playing, and praying with us, which in turn brought my crew and I much joy.
I do hope that whoever is reading this is moved to join us in our mission. It fully changes you for Christ and shows you the true reward of serving others as Christ did for us.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Andre
English: Before coming to workcamp I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make any friends. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get anything out of it. And then I step into this workcamp and everyone there is super friendly and welcoming. Nobody is rude to you. You quickly realize that you can make friends with absolutely anyone, anywhere, and at any time. I got to chat with random people in the cafeteria, in the halls, in the shower lines, and even in the showers themselves. Work Camp was such an inviting space and filled with a lot of amazing people.
But nothing compares to the one true relationship I made that week. Because while I loved making all of these new friends there was only one who truly loved me. and that was God. And in that week I realized god wanted to have a true relationship with me. And so I chose to commit my life to the lord. Let him fill me with his love and spirit. It was then when my perspective shifted from how can I make new friends to how can I make my friends find a life with Christ. I just want to end off by saying this. If you feel like you have an emptiness or brokenness or feel like your wandering through an endless maze searching for something in life? Then spend a week at work camp and I promise that you will feel forever changed by the time you leave work camp.
Spanish: Antes de llegar al Workcamp, no estaba seguro de si lo disfrutaría. No sabía si haría amigos ni si sacaría algo positivo de la experiencia. Pero al llegar, me encontré con personas súper amables y acogedoras; nadie te trataba mal. Rápidamente te das cuenta de que puedes hacer amigos con cualquiera, en cualquier lugar y en cualquier momento. Pude conversar con gente diversa en la cafetería, en los pasillos, en las filas para las duchas e incluso dentro de ellas. El campamento fue un espacio muy acogedor, lleno de personas increíbles.
Sin embargo, nada se compara con la relación verdadera que establecí esa semana. Porque, aunque disfruté mucho haciendo nuevos amigos, hubo alguien que me amó de verdad: Dios. Durante esa semana, comprendí que Dios quería tener una relación auténtica conmigo. Así que decidí entregar mi vida al Señor y permitir que Él me llenara con su amor y su Espíritu. Fue entonces cuando mi perspectiva cambió: pasé de preguntarme cómo hacer nuevos amigos a pensar en cómo ayudar a mis amigos a encontrar una vida en Cristo. Para terminar, quiero decir esto: si sientes un vacío o un quebranto interior, o si sientes que vagas por un laberinto interminable buscando algo en la vida, pasa una semana en el Workcamp. Te aseguro que, al terminar, sentirás que tu vida ha cambiado para siempre.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Kelsi
Truth finding. That’s the word I picked to describe my workcamp experience. Before leaving we were told that we couldn’t describe our experience at workcamp as fun. We needed to Use another word. Going to Workcamp was a good experience. It was the type of experience that you need to do once in your life. If you ever get the chance to go even just once I recommended it very much. Building houses and listening to the people speaking at program is such a lifechanging experience. Even though the days are long and the time you spend sleeping isn’t long enough, listening to the residents say what our work means to them make every scarf ice so much more worth it.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Gaby
Work Camp was an experience that exposed me to the different opinions, perspectives, and lenses through which the Word of God can be viewed. Prior to coming to camp, I was extremely hesitant. My relationship with God has never been close to smooth, and I have consistently struggled with understanding faith. Throughout my youth, I tried very hard to understand the feeling that everyone described as “euphoric” or “God’s presence.” Never once did I truly understand what that felt like, and I began to think that there was something wrong with me. I grew angry. I felt as though I was excluded from an inside joke that many understood except me. I continued to drift further from Him, and by the time June 20th arrived, honestly, I dreaded attending.
The theme for Work Camp this year was “Lean Into It.” However, as stubborn as I am, I struggled to allow myself to do so. At program on the first night, the speakers made it clear that many people in the crowd may not even know if they believe in God, and that it is okay. This made me feel a little more welcomed than I had previously, as I thought I would be shamed for my doubt in Christ.
The project assigned to me this year was a roof. I was gifted a double crew, meaning that instead of only six people on my work site, there were twelve. My crew and I grew and bonded throughout the four days we spent together. Devotional on the way to and from the work site, as well as during lunchtime, allowed me to ask questions freely, and the answers I received allowed me to listen to perspectives that contrasted with my own. During devotional one afternoon, my crew and I determined that many people tend to exaggerate this so-called feeling of God’s grace. The truth is, it is not as black and white as it is so popularly described. It is confusing, frustrating, and a bumpy process. Understanding God’s presence is not like a light switch, but rather a feeling of understanding that He is there, regardless of what you may feel or think at times. The same God who created the endless universe also took His time fearfully and wonderfully creating you. I have come to realize that maybe God is not something to be understood, but rather something to lean into believing in.
Witnessing the gratitude shown by our resident warmed my heart in a way I cannot describe. Being able to witness someone with so much less than me, yet having such steadfast faith in the Lord, shifted my thought process in a way I had never viewed before. My crew leaders and contractors were nothing short of amazing. They taught me lessons (both spiritually related and construction related) that I will be sure to carry with me for life.
While it is unrealistic to say that my faith has done a complete 180°, I would be lying if I said that I am not a little more enlightened than I was previously. I still have many unanswered questions, but this curiosity is what will help me understand this intricate and tedious concept we call faith. Thank you.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Adam
Hello, my name is Adam, and this is my second time doing Workcamp
For those who don’t know, WorkCamp is a week-long service program run through the Diocese of Arlington where teens and adult chaperones travel to a community and spend the week doing home repairs — things like roofing, painting, wheelchair ramps, and general fixes — for homeowners who can’t afford them on their own. You live, work, and pray together as a group, and by the end of the week you’ve built something real — not just with your hands, but with the people around you.
For me, this year, my crew and I were assigned to help out in trailer park homes, and our team worked on skirting around the house and also mainly helped take out, and then put in 7 brand new windows and a broken door.
But there’s something that’s just so special about workcamp. All of these things I mentioned, though still part of something absolutely meaningful, are only just a part of the cake. Workcamp allows people to see a deeper relationship with Christ that some didn’t even see to fully believe. Personally, The beauty in it was the small things, every day we’d have faith discussions with our crew, daily mass, worship, and even on tuesday night there’s adoration. I remember that night, the room being filled with the holy spirit, some people kneeling, crying, admiring… and, through that night, and that week, and especially the community and actions of love that are given and received, workcamp is able to, in a way, change people. Before workcamp, for myself, I didn’t see myself to completely push the love of Christ, take humility through love to be able to love others and push myself further. Jesus, through WorkCamp, allowed me to see in myself just how much I actually want to Love the Lord back, pray constantly in thought, and especially, give the opportunity of Christ’s love to as many people as I can. One thing is for sure, Workcamp does allow better for God to change each individual in their hearts, soul, in the way that is needed.
If you’ve ever thought about sending your son, daughter, or someone you know to WorkCamp — I’d say don’t hesitate. Because, what may be experienced there doesn’t just stay there, It’s something you carry with you.
Thank you.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Lyla
Hello, my name is Lyla, I am a rising senior at Lake Braddock and this was my second year at WorkCamp. At first, I was nervous that this year would not be as impactful as last year. I quickly learned that that was not the case. Not only did I see its influence in myself, but in those around me too. WorkCamp is a beautiful part of the Catholic Church and our Diocese. Each year we learn more about God’s love for us, while spreading that love to those in the community through acts of service. I remember the joyful look on our resident’s face once she saw our completed project. That alone can be enough proof about how impactful this camp is. My favorite part of the experience is Program, where it felt like all of us were a family, brought together to love and worship God. Let me just say it’s an incredible feeling you get when you look around the room and see other teens worshiping Christ.
Grayson • Brady • Anya • Hunter • Tyler • Katie • Jacob • Bridget • Lucas • Seth R • Liam • Emily • Owen • Agnes • Madelyn • Seth L • Clark • JP • Zoey • Bryce • Felipe • Andre • Kelsi • Gaby • Adam • Lyla • Simon
Simon
This has been my fourth and final year at WorkCamp, and like all of the others, it really has been an extraordinary experience. When I first started coming to WorkCamp, I was a little afraid. I was afraid of meeting people I’ve never met before, and going out to work in an unfamiliar environment. Though as I got to meet my crew, and we started bonding, I felt at least a little better. That year was transformative for the fifteen-year-old me, and I enjoyed WorkCamp immensely. I kept coming back because I found it so transformative. This year is no different.
I came back this year excited, as I knew that it would be so much fun, and I hoped that I would have an abundance of spiritual growth. Furthermore, I came into this year’s WorkCamp already trying to grow my relationship with God. I feel as though I came into it with an open heart, ready to receive anything God had to give me. Looking back, I see now how much He has given me. One of the most profound experiences that had a substantial impact on me was from Tuesday night to Wednesday night. Up until Tuesday, I had been nervous about Reconciliation, but I was open to it. On Tuesday night, I went to confession and sat with Father Peter Clem, and I can surely say that I encountered God through him. He was so radiant with joy and light-hearted, and I had a very long conversation with him about all the things I wanted to know. One of the things I asked him was, “How do I hear God’s voice; how do I know he’s speaking to me?” He answered me by saying that God speaks through many means, and sometimes we only know He was speaking to us in hindsight when we “connect the dots.” He told me that through small ways God can speak to us, and you kind of have to connect the dots, as he put it. Though he also told me that God loves to speak through people, and that’s one of his favorite ways. Now we get to Wednesday night, and I remembered what Father Peter Clem told me when Father Ricky got up on stage and said to us, “Pray for me and ask the Lord to use the Holy Spirit to speak through me to you.” I prayed and said, “Lord, I know you can do it; you have the power to do it, so please use the Holy Spirit to speak through Father Ricky. If this is how you’re going to speak to me, then I will listen.” Afterward, Father Ricky delivered a talk that, after his first few opening sentences, in my mind, I went, “Oh shoot,” because I knew it was happening. Father Ricky’s talk resonated with me immensely and taught me new things that my soul needed to know. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Holy Spirit was speaking through Father Ricky that night, and I know the Lord was speaking to me.
With my final WorkCamp as a camper coming to an end, I feel as though the Lord spoke to me directly and said, “I want YOU. I love YOU. I want to know YOU.” It really was an extraordinary experience, one that I will never forget, and I want to take what I learned and gained into my everyday life. I will continue building my connection with Jesus, and I want to continue learning and growing as I go through life, with Him walking beside me.