Youth from church congregations all over West Tennessee met in Chester County in June to share “Passion for God, Compassion for People.” While West Tennessee Work Camp began in 1999, this is the first year the camp has been hosted in Chester County.
Estes Church of Christ youth group welcomed youth groups from churches of Christ across West Tennessee - Lexington, McKenzie, Savannah and Paris, to name a few. Around 95 teens and 20-25 adults worked together at seven homes in Henderson and Chester County, painting the exterior and doing minor repairs.
Estes’ youth minister, Seth Stewart, said homeowners are often excited but skeptical of the opportunity. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe that a group of teenagers are going to come and do this,” he laughed, adding they have competent adults involved to ensure the project is done well.
Camp organizers plan to return to Chester County next summer and will be looking for local homeowners who would like to participate. Eligible homes must have a paintable exterior (wood or siding material that does well being painted, i.e., not vinyl or brick) and the occupant must own the home. For more information or to suggest a home for next year’s work camp, email Stewart at stewart0989@gmail.com.
