What is the Diocesan Work Camp?

The Diocesan Work Camp is a weeklong camp experience for high school youth to serve our brothers and sisters in need by making their homes safer, warmer, and drier while also having the opportunity to grow in our Catholic faith.

Work Camp is not just a youth event. It is an opportunity for parishes to make a difference in the lives of those in need right here in our diocese while encouraging youth to answer their baptismal call to serve others. It is a transformative experience in the life of the adults who assist as well, whether as a volunteer, contractor, or chaperone.

Work Camp is open to all high school-aged youth (rising 9th graders through graduated 12th graders). The week is going to require that youth give of themselves to serve others and to grow spiritually.

Where and when is the Diocesan Work Camp?

The Diocesan Work Camp will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, through Friday, June 26, 2026 in Bristol, Virginia. Volunteers are expected to arrive on Friday, June 19, 2026 to begin preparatory work before the parishes arrive. The work projects will take place in the surrounding community. Saint Anne Catholic Church in Bristol (580 Oakview Ave, Bristol, VA 24201) will serve as our home base where participants and adults will sleep, eat, and participate in evening programming.

What is the deadline to apply?

All applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026 at 12noon in order to be considered. 

Please provide the name and contact information of a youth minister or campus minister who can act as a reference for why you should serve in this capacity.

Work Site Support: This track provides assistance to the Lead Contractors for work sites throughout the week. As well as aide for the Tool Shed Manager. Tasks may include trips to Lowe's for materials, delivering tools to work sites, organizing tools from parishes, providing extra help at a work site, and more
Programming Support : This track provides assistance to the Program Manager. It includes coordinating free time activities, organizing program game materials, and leading send-off.
Media Team : This track provides assistance to the Media Manager. Students on this track will work on photography and videography throughout the week. Each day a recap video will be created for evening program.

Applications must include:

Essay: In 250-500 words, tell us your story! Make sure to include:

1.  Do you have previous experiences with work camps, Diocesan or other groups? What was that experience like?
2.  How are you currently involved in your campus ministry and/or parish? 
3. We have all encountered Jesus in some way. Sometimes that is in obvious ways that stand out to us, like during adoration at a conference or retreat, or in a moment of service on a mission trip. Sometimes that is in small everyday-life ways, like in the relationship we have with a parent, in a friend's faithful perseverance through hardship, or in experiences of peace within nature. How have you encountered Jesus?
4. Why do you want to volunteer at Work Camp this Summer? Why do you want to follow this track option as a volunteer?