Can I get a WorkFest?

“Can I get a WorkFest?” has been a phrase that I have been hearing for the past two weeks and will for the next week. The correct response to that is a resounding…WORKFEST! It is true, WorkFest is here at CAP and we are now heading into our final week of it. Many of you have heard me mention WorkFest and Camp AJ multiple times this month, but probably have no idea what WorkFest is exactly. So I will try my best to sum up what WorkFest is and how amazing it is .

WorkFest is a “spring break alternative” for college students. It goes beyond a week long gathering of college students enjoying time away from classes. WorkFest allows students to devote their time and energy to improve the homes of Appalachian residents while learning about the injustices and realities of poverty. The first WorkFest was held in 1992 and over 20 homes were repaired in that one week. Since then, WorkFest has served over 290 families. WorkFest takes place in a number of different counties in KY, including Jackson, Clay, Owsley, Johnson, and Floyd. I had the privilege of repairing a home in Jackson County last week.

When the college students arrive at Camp, they are broken into eight different crews and given their housing assignment. The CAP Housing Volunteers are the crew leaders and in charge of handling this lively bunch. The crews work at the site during the day Monday thru Thursday. In the evenings, CAP provides entertainment for everyone. This past week on Tuesday, we had a Bluegrass band come in. On Thursday nights, we have an Appreciation Dinner, where we invite the families of the homes we have been working on to share a meal with us. The Appreciation Dinner is my favorite part of the week because it is here that the families and the college students share what the week has meant to them. It is incredibly moving! On Friday, we show a slideshow of the week and have a closing devotion and then the students head home. Below is a quick overview of what a typical day looks like:

• 6:45 – Rise and shine!
• 7:00 –Eat a hearty breakfast
• 7:30 – Morning prayer
• 7:45 – Off to the day’s work
• 12:00 – Lunch at work site
• 4:30 – Go home for the day
• 6:00 – Dinner
• 7:00 –Evening devotion, program and school reflection time

So, there you have it…my best attempt at describing WorkFest. It truly is an amazing week for all. Each week, I have been reminded just what it means to be a Christian and to serve Christ. These college students have touched me in so many ways and I have been extremely blessed to be a part of WorkFest. In a few days, I will be posting more about the crew I worked on last week and the family that we assisted.

Peace.