Frequently Asked Questions:
What kind of service work will I be doing?
Each One Week site offers a diversity of opportunities to volunteer and provide service to the local communities. We strive to get teens working both behind the scenes and directly with the people they serve. Direct services often takes the form of support for disabled or elderly, serving food in shelters and ministering to children in day care. The behind the scenes work we do includes sorting and cleaning at shelters and food banks, organizing and preparing items for rummage sales to support community programs and painting and cleaning areas used in ministry.
What will my day look like?
Again every site has its own day and its own schedule. For the most part days begin with breakfast and prayer and participants are out at their work sites by 9:00 am. We work until about 3:00 or 4:00 and then return for evening programming, dinner and rest.
Evening programming is processing what we experienced from the day through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.
Will I have some free time to venture out?
Each site has some time for a fun night – this is programmed and led by the site director, but it is a night of venturing out into the community in a safe, supervised way. We recommend groups wanting to do a little site seeing do so on the drive home on Friday.
Will I be able to take a shower during the week?
Yes, showers are always provided as is time to use the showers each day.
What do I pack?
A packing list is sent to each group leader before the week, so you will be given a packing list. We do focus on living simply so we encourage minimal electronics and cloths appropriate for working all day.
How many other teens will be there?
Depends on the site. Some sites such as Hoquiam and Forks can only hold 40-45 teens. Other sites such as Seattle, Bellingham and Everett can hold significantly more.
What if I get sick during the week? How will I get home?
If a student needs to go home the parish and parish leaders will make arrangements for them to get home.