MODG senior Sam Whittaker participated in Catholic Heart Workcamp during the summers of 2013 and 2014, in Gettysburg and Detroit. Both times, Sam fundraised and went with his youth group. Florida-based Catholic Heart Workcamp (CHWC) is an organization that works on restoring homes and serving communities in places of need all across the country. Although CHWC began humbly in 1993 with only a hundred participants, it quickly grew. In the summer of 2013 alone 13,000 people participated. CHWC offers not only getting a chance to live out your  religion and perform corporal works of mercy for communities in need, but also fellowship with the group to which one belongs.

A typical day at CHWC starts with getting up at 6:30 AM for Mass and then breakfast. Each person receives an assignment, which might include yardwork, painting, fixing pipelines or building sheds. These tasks are done from 9 AM to 3 PM, and then evening programs begin. These programs consist of confession, activities outside of camp, and time with one’s youth group.

Sam says that he would “definitely do it again,” and is promoting the camp with his other friends.

Participants get to experience strengthening of their faith by being a witness, meet new people from all across the country, and have fun with their own youth groups as well. CHWC offers many opportunities to strengthen those serving the poor in virtue, and help those in need, which are some of the most important things Christians can do in their lives.