Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Dress Code?
Please be considerate of the Dress Code Rules. workcampNE Staff does not want to have to address issues repeatedly with campers. All infractions will be dealt with quickly. With clear expectations, early communication of this policy and support from our Youth Leaders, we hope this won’t be necessary.
Modest dress is taken very seriously at workcampNE. We are representing Christ to one another; our residents and to school personnel. On Sunday opening evening, female workcampNE staff members will hold a meeting and speak directly to all women campers about expectations. Gentleman campers will be spoken to by male workcampNE staff. Campers will then be given an option to head back to their rooms to change out of items not deemed camp appropriate.
If proper clothing has not been brought to camp, it will be the Youth Leader’s responsibility to take any students to the nearest department store to purchase camp appropriate attire items.
In order to keep the dress code violations to a minimum,
First infractions will be dealt with quietly between a wcNE staffer and camper,
Second infractions will result in meeting with a wcNE staffer, camper and camper’s youth leader,
Third infractions will result with camper’s dismissal from workcampNE.
A good rule of thumb: t-shirts and long shorts are recommended!
Gentlemen Dress Code:
Pants to be worn at the waist (no underwear showing.)
Shirts: to be worn at all times while in public areas such as hallways, shower rooms and on job sites.
Ladies Dress Code:
Tops: No tops that bare the chest, midriff or shoulders allowed. Tank/halter/running tops which show underwear are not permitted on campus or job sites. No cleavage showing; 2 inch straps for all shirts; no skin showing at waistline when hands are raised over head.
Shorts: No short shorts, “hip huggers,” or cheer shorts. Inseam must be at least 4 inches. No spandex or leggings unless an over-shirt extends to mid-thigh or shorts are worn over them. Rolling of waistbands is not permissible.
How do you handle food allergies?
For our campers with food allergies, please be aware that our food may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish or wheat. While we take steps to minimize risk and safely handle the foods that contain potential allergens, please be advised that cross contamination may occur, as factors beyond our reasonable control may alter the formulations of the food we serve, or manufacturers may change their formulations without our knowledge.
If you suffer from food allergies, we can supply space in our refrigerator for your food. We can offer a space for you (or your student) to prepare their food. Due to the high volume of people we are feeding, we cannot prepare individual meals for those suffering from allergies.
Please be aware that while we take precautions to keep ingredients separate, we cannot guarantee that any of our beverages or foods are allergen free as we used shared equipment to store, prepare and serve them.
Over the years, many campers with food allergies have successfully attended workcampNE. It takes extra care when planning your mission week, but it can be done with minimal effort on your part.
A salad bar with eggs and tuna salad is available each evening for our non-meat eating campers.
I’m in college. Can I still come to workcampNE?
Absolutely! All ages are welcome. The only restrictions on age are our Senior High only weeks, which excludes Junior High, but includes anyone entering the 9th grade or older. Our combination weeks are open to all ages, that is entering 6th grade in the fall or older. Please be aware that our evening messages and printed materials are written with our students in mind.
Do I need health insurance in order to attend?
Yes, workcampNE has an insurance plan too, but our policy is secondary to any health insurance you have. This means any claims will be sent to your personal insurance first.
If you don’t have insurance, we can help you get set up with temporary insurance. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need to bring any money?
Your registration fee covers everything you'll need for the week - food, lodging, tools, materials, T-Shirt, and more. Your crew may stop for a snack on the way home from the worksite or you may want to purchase merchandise from The Shed; T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, hats, etc. We also have a small concession area with candy & soda that you might want money for. Spending money is not necessary, but it may be wise to bring. Independent students need to bring additional cash for Friday dinner and outing (suggested $50).
I've never done any repairs before. Is that ok?
Yes, it is absolutely ok. We have leaders that will guide you with the work. The only thing you have to bring to the worksite is a great attitude, a servant's heart and PPE. We'll supply you with everything else. PPE is personal protective equipment – work gloves, safety glasses, dust mask and sturdy shoes. (Open toes are not allowed at the worksite.)
How many adults do we need for the week?
We suggest 1 adult to 4 students, we need at least a 1 to 5 ratio, but we encourage as many as are willing to come!
Our church can't afford to rent vans, can we still come?
Yes. You will simply need to bring a few more adults to drive the cars you will be using to come to the mission week. The reason we ask for vans is because they can accommodate 1 adult crew leader and 5 crew members. We need to mobilize everyone in attendance, to/from their site. If you are bringing the suggested 1 adult for every 4 students, you should be fine.
We live near where camp is going to be this year. Can I sleep at home?
I can't come the full week, so can I just help out a couple of days?
I need to leave one or two nights for a tournament, is that ok?
I have on-line or other work that I need to get done. Can I use my free time to do it?
The answer to these 4 questions is: Sorry, but no. Commitment to the relationships you are building and contributing to the environment of Christian fellowship is a major component of workcampNE. This happens best when we all share in community, 24/7. Think of it this way; if you were serving on a foreign mission trip, would you be able to leave or only be present some of the time? Treat this mission trip similarly.
Only in rare cases do we allow for individuals to attend one or two days. They are: (1) for youth ministers inquiring about us and wanting to "check us out," and (2) sometimes when we get behind on work and our contractor friends can help us catch up.
Spending time on your computer/phone etc. doesn't allow for the missional experience and your week will not be as rich as it could be.
This goes for our adults as well... and for you, the leaders, setting a good example is paramount.
How much does it cost?
$425 if you register 90 days or more prior to attending
$500 if you register greater than 45 days but less than 90 days prior to attending
Registrations received less than 45 days prior to service week will not be accepted