Servants At Work
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. The link here gives an explanation of Psalm 23 Camp’s role in workcamps
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.
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.
How it Started
Psalm 23 Camp sponsored some winter mission trips to Central America before beginning local mission work.
The local SAW camps provided a way to involve young people in particular, and involve more people at a lower cost.
Foreign SAW experiences are sponsored about once every one to two years. These trips are usually in mid-February and open to teens and adults.
Special Notes
- Nights can be cool
- Sunburn is easier at the high elevations
- Rafting requires special clothing
- No playing music while working
Leader Guide
This information is meant to be used by the church or college group coordinator who is planning a trip to Psalm 23 Camp. While some information is optional reading material, please note that all campers must be given part of the materials. The more important materials are noted by red lettering.
Please note that the pages on the left menu “Planning Your Trip” and “Things to Bring” are necessary for all campers. Please make certain they have copies and/or understand the content of these two pages.
This could be one of the most important documents in this leader guide. Please note the following points:
1. Each group must pay a deposit of $100 per camper to confirm that reservation.
2. A second deposit is due March 1.
3. The contract also contains language about certain behavioral conduct such as smoking and drug use.
Tax Exempt Form – must send to us.
Final fee payment of $125 – send 2 weeks before camp.
Camper Registration – send 2 weeks before camp.
Skills Inventory – send 2 weeks before camp.
Tool Needs – Any who wish to donate tools for the Servants At Work program may wish to view this list.
Camp Schedule
Sunday. Groups arrive after 5:30 p.m. to check in. Orientation session that evening; free time following.
Monday. Participants spend their first full day working to improve Psalm 23 Camp. This help to improve the camp has a long-term effect of helping the people in Appalachia, and it improves the conditions for future work mission participants.
Tues—Thursday. This part of the work week is spent working at the homes of individual families in communities in Monroe and surrounding counties. While all campers work out in these communities on Tuesday, some may return to the camp on Wednesday or Thursday to complete a project that was started on Monday.
Friday. This is a free day for campers to use for special recreation away from the camp. Whitewater rafting on the New River, two hours from camp, has been the favorite activity. Campers eat breakfast at Psalm 23 Camp, pack a lunch, and then eat the evening meal at some place near their special recreational activity.
Daily Schedule
7:30 a.m. Breakfast; clean up chores following
8:10 – Church group devotions
8:30 – Pack lunches for work site
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Home work service projects
4:00-5:30 – Free time
5:30 – Dinner; clean up chores following
7:00 – Evening activities begin*
8:00 – Free time
10:30 – Lights out
*Psalm 23 Camp sponsored activities usually include special lawn games called Farm Olympics, hay rides, and our staff provides a place for campfire programs.
Sunday Arrival
Since no meals are served at the camp on Sunday evening groups may wish to stop to eat prior to arriving at Gap Mills. One church group has used the Sunday afternoon and early evening to spend time at Moncove Lake, 9 miles from camp. They have some recreation time and then have a cook out for supper.
Daily Chores
Immediately following morning and evening meals campers spend some time helping with cleanup in kitchen, dining and other areas.
Daily Free Time
Considerable free time is available each day between the end of the work day until lights out at bedtime. This time is often used for informal recreation, and some church groups schedule a nightly time of devotions around other activities.
Things to Bring
Personal Items
- Bedding, such as sleeping bag or sheets, blankets, pillow.
- Towels
- Toilet items
- Flashlight
- Bible
- Clothes, Work
- Long pants recommended, but not required
- Hard soled shoes or work boots
- Gloves
Clothes, Leisure
- Use discretion. Do not bring short shorts, halter tops, etc.
- Light weight jacket, sweat shirt or sweater for evenings
- Extra shoes
Tools
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Some may wish to bring personal tools such as drill, circular saw, etc.
White Water Rafting
- Swim wear or shorts
- T-shirt
- Pair of old sneakers or special sandals for water
- Lightweight nylon windbreaker (if rain appears likely on that day)
- Sun screen
- If you wear glasses, bring a sturdy strap to keep from losing them
- Baseball cap or visor. Do not wear cotton (no sweatshirts, sweat pants, jeans)
- Also take for the rafting trip a towel, dry clothes, and dry shoes.
DO NOT BRING
- TV
- Radio, including portable devices
- CD, tape, 8 track players, etc.
Contact Details
(304) 772-3700
982 Rowan Road, Gap Mills West Virginia 24941