Praise for youth camp workers
After reading the article in the July 14 Observer-Reporter about the youth camp workers doing home repairs in Washington County, I felt compelled to write this letter.
In June 2011, my home was picked to receive assistance from this group to replace my old, broken front porch. Five young adults, aged between 15 and 23, and one adult supervisor, showed up at my home with supplies and a positive attitude to get this task completed. All that was asked of me was to provide cold water and the use of my bathroom facilities. I didn’t have to help or even interact with them if I didn’t want to.
However, I worked along with them every day, hammering, cutting and hauling away debris. They brought their own lunches with them, which they were more than willing to share with me, and I provided fresh fruit salad and frozen treats. We laughed together and shared daily prayers. They told me about their mission and their hopes for the future. I was deeply moved by the level of maturity and compassion these young people possessed.
At the end of the week, they presented me with a handmade cross and a prayer shawl. They also gave me a flower planter to decorate my new porch. I took photos of them all sitting on my new steps and these photos are still displayed in my home.
Kudos to the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church for sponsoring this program, and God bless all the young adults and supervisors who took time and money out of their own pockets to participate in this program. It was an experience I will treasure forever.
Doreen Peterson
Canonsburg