WorkCamp

Arlington Diocese WorkCamp is an annual youth ministry program culminating in a week-long overnight camp providing the teens of the Diocese with an opportunity to encounter Christ through service, faith, and fellowship. This program is administered by the Office of Youth, Campus, & Young Adult Ministries.

This service opportunity combines prayer, great speakers, daily Mass, confession, and tons of fun, making it an integrated experience of true Christian community and one of the most transformational opportunities of the year!

WORKCAMP 2025 IN REVIEW

Our 2025 WorkCamp Crew spent the week in Shenandoah County, VA. Tuesday night Bishop Burbidge came for adoration and confessions for all of WorkCamp and celebrated the Mass with all of us on Wednesday morning. Our students had a great time.

When students were asked why they loved WorkCamp, their reasons included: “Meeting new people!”, “We had a lot of fun. Our contractor was great!”, “You get enough service hours for all of high school!” and “Adoration and confession are built into the week. I had the Bishop for confession!”.

When we asked the adult volunteers if they would recommend WorkCamp to other adults, their responses included: “My first WorkCamp was transformative for my faith which is one of the reasons I keep coming back every year; that rejuvenation of my faith every time.” and “It’s amazing to see the kids in a different light as volunteers.” 

  • Are you a high school student interested in WorkCamp? Click here.
  • Are you an adult interested in WorkCamp? Click here.

Follow us on our parish social media for the latest news and reminders in addition to signing up for Flocknote below to receive email and text reminders as well!

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For questions, email Adult Volunteer WorkCamp coordinator Andy Newton at [email protected].

DATES TO REMEMBER

The Arlington Diocese prohibits the use of cell phones during youth ministry events.  We ask that students leave their cell phones at home or place them in the cell phone box at sign in.  Cell phones will be returned at the conclusion of the event.

STUDENT PARTICIPANTS

Explanation of Commitments

  • Teens must attend the entire week of camp.
  • Teens are required to attend FOUR preparation meetings.
  • Teens must participate in fundraising activities.

Registration Information

Registration for WorkCamp is open to all high school teens currently in grades 9-12. WorkCamp will be held from June 20-26, 2026 in Shenandoah County, Virginia.

This section will explain the registration process with links to the forms needed.

Fundraising

The cost last year was $550, but fundraising covers a large part of this. Each parent should plan to volunteer in some way such as helping with fundraising, spending one afternoon at camp as a security volunteer, being a crew leader, or helping in some other way. The deadline to register will be early February 2026

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Explanation of Volunteer Positions and Commitments

We need to secure adult volunteers since the number of students is limited based on how many adults come.

  • For every 1-5 girls, we need one adult female crew leader.
  • For every 1-5 boys, we need one adult male crew leader.
  • In addition, for every 1-5 teens, we need one contractor.

If you are 25 or older, please consider volunteering as a crew leader to join us for the week, or if you have basic home repair or building skills, please consider volunteering your time as a contractor (Monday-Thursday). WorkCamp is a big commitment, but it comes with lots of personal rewards.

We will be posting the registration information and forms when available. Diocesan meetings for various adult positions, https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth-ministry/workcamp/meetings-training/.

  • WorkCamp Contractors
    • A WorkCamp contractor is an adult volunteer who is responsible for leading the work on the project but is not necessarily a “contractor” in the professional sense. Some background in basic construction or remodeling skills is very useful but not required. A person who is handy with tools and has experience doing hands‐on home repair and maintenance is typically qualified. The Arlington Diocese will provide detailed instructions on how to complete every project and will pair contractors with projects matching their skill set.
  • Adult Volunteer
  • Crew Leader

Registration Information

We will be posting the registration information and forms when available.

Adults and Virtus-Training

Youth Ministry needs adult volunteers for most activities who must be VIRTUS compliant and have completed a background check through the Arlington Diocese. Visit the Office of Child Protection website for more information on background checks, click here or contact [email protected].

FLOCKNOTE

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