| "....he
that is greatest among you shall be your servant." | Whereas Psalm 23 Camp was established
in 1985 to provide children with "something to do" the Servants-At-Work
(S.A.W.) camps were started in 1993 as a way of involving young people in "doing
something" for other people. The article Servanthood
101 explains our reasons for such. The
primary objective of the S.A.W. camps is to involve teens in projects in Monroe
County that assist the elderly, disabled and other needy families with home repair
and maintenance projects. Minor home repair and painting are the most common types
of work projects to help families. More complex projects including new home construction
are usually available each summer. Psalm
23 staff have two other important objectives when campers participate in one of
the S.A.W. camps' (1) spiritual growth and development and (2) Recreation.
For
the spiritual component, the home away from home environment in a beautiful setting
can be a asset. In addition to the time church youth leaders have to give special
teaching to their teens, the camp staff provides some experiences to enhance that
experience. For example, the sheep herding dog demonstrations are used to teach
some biblical principles to those attending camp. Recreational
aspects of the week at Psalm 23 Camp are also important. The favorite activity
for most groups comes on Friday(free day) when campers are free to participate
in some all-day recreation. The majority chooses white water rafting on the New
River about two hours from camp. Groups make their own reservations in advance
of the camp week. Other choices for the free day
include mountain biking, hiking to a large waterfalls near Pembroke, VA., horseback
riding, visits to one of the WV State parks and canoeing on one of the rivers
nearby. For information about Friday Free Day
recreation click here. For
information about the camp daily and weekly schedules check camp
schedules. |