U.M. Army

U.M. ARMY offers high quality weeklong mission programs for youth and young adults that serve people in need and build leadership skills in young people! WHUMC will be sending two groups to UMArmy this summer: a mixed age group of youth and adults – Youth who will complete grade 7 by the end of June 2016 are eligible to participate. And a group of young adults – one year out of high school or older. We are in need of adult volunteers this year, so let me know if you are interested in attending. Young Adults  May 29-June 4 to Amityville, NY Mixed Age Group – We are awaiting final dates and locations, but it is expected to be July 10-16 (with July 17-23 as our second choice). We will remain in New England, so travel time will be minimal. If interested in learning more about the program, please contact coordinator Mary Suter at mary.suter@att.net or 860-409-9232 or talk to one of the prior year’s participants: Kumar Ponnudurai, Peter Suter, Serf Piedrasanta, Onyx Sanchez, Ethan Speranza, Andrew Suter, Jen Bush, Karen Loveland, and Katey Zea See: http://ne.umarmy.org/ for details on the program. Basics About Our Program?– Participants sleep, eat, worship and enjoy fellowship at a local church beginning on Sunday evening and ending on Saturday afternoon of camp week. Each weekday small teams consisting of one adult and 3-5 youth set out to a worksite in the local area. Additional adults act as support to the teams bringing needed tools, supplies, technical expertise and safety checks to the site each day (We also bring popsicles, watermelon, and other cooling treats) The Clients and Projects – We believe our relationship to those being served is the top priority and central to our work. Our clients are referred by local social service agencies and churches. Generally they are elderly but some are families who are unable to do the work for themselves due to financial concerns or disabilities. The work is anything from simple projects such as yard work or painting to small home repairs on doors, windows, stairs, porches and construction of handicap access ramps. The teams bring a lunch to share with their client each day and are encouraged to interact as much as possible. Often the idea that someone cares is much more important than the actual work!

The Activities – Throughout the week, fun evening activities are planned. They often include swimming, dancing and/or games. One evening during the week is reserved as “Client Night”. We invite those whom we have served to a dinner at our host church and they are given the opportunity to speak to the young people about what their service has meant. (Definitely a highlight of the week!) We begin each day with a 15 min devotional service and end each evening with a contemporary worship service that is uplifting to youth.
 
For more information about U.M. Army, please contact the church office at 860.521.7766 or whumc1959@gmail.com