Group Workcamp coming to Bloomington-Normal

Posted on October 29, 2015
Steve Perry and Sheri Buckellew
Steve Perry (left) and Sheri Buckellew (right) of St. John’s Lutheran Church are helping bring Group Workcamp to the area. (Laura Ewan/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – A week-long program which brings in church youth from throughout the nation to help local home owners repair their houses is headed for the Twin Cities in early July 2016.

Group Workcamp operates both nationally and internationally and brings up to 450 church youth to the area.

St. John’s Lutheran Church is been a participant in the program for several years. Business Operator Shari Buckellew told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin 50 homes in the area will be selected for the program.

“Preferred homes are those that are owned by elderly, lower income, or disabled residents. We do want homeowners and not landlords,” said Buckellew. “Basically, they’ll just fill out an application, explain what it is they’re hoping to do, there is no cost to the homeowner what-so-ever.”

Youth Minister Steve Perry said Normal Community High School will act as the host site for the visitors.

“They pay for the privilege of coming for a week to work in your community to do the home beautification and home repair,” Perry said.

Applications will be available starting Monday at St. John’s and many churches on the west side.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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