For more than 20 years, Quincy Notre Dame has participated in Catholic Heart Workcamp (CHWC). This summer, QND students and chaperones travelled to Washington, D.C., for a week of service and fun.
Founded in 1993, CHWC offers youth-friendly short term mission trips. This national organization offers students the opportunity to grow in their faith while serving others. Throughout the years QND has traveled all across the United States to states such as Florida, Montana, Colorado, Texas and Connecticut.
QND students and chaperones volunteer for one week in the summer to take this mission trip where they spend their days serving the community by helping with anything from yard clean-up, painting, helping non-profits, working with children, and more. “The impact CHWC makes on our students, particularly the interaction they have with the people they are serving face-to-face, makes it one of our most important ministry offerings each year,” stated QND Director of Christian Formation Mike Young ’98.
During the times they are not working, students participate in activities that challenge them to grow in their faith in an engaging, dynamic way. “The morning and evening programs allowed me to grow in my faith in a way I had never experienced before,” said Ada Kurk '23. “Many opportunities are offered throughout the week such as Mass, Confession, and even Adoration.”
Another unique aspect of CHWC is that students meet and interact daily with students from across the nation also attending the workcamp. Many of the friendships made last longer than that week and can last a lifetime.
Kurk continued, “It is such a neat experience to see teenagers from all over serving and worshiping together in one place.” CHWC truly is an opportunity like no other.
