Youth invited to apply for MDS Summer Youth Program

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is accepting applications for its 2015 Summer Youth program (SYP), which features three unique service opportunity locations in the U.S. and Canada. The application deadline is Feb. 13, 2015.

This weeklong program offers an opportunity for youth and their supporting adults to participate in the work of MDS by focusing on Christian service and learning through clean up, repair and rebuilding after disasters. 

Each of the three locations for 2015 offer different perspectives on disaster response, two offering the opportunity for learning construction and disaster preparedness, while the third offers participation in an actual long-term MDS disaster response.

It has been more than two years since Superstorm Sandy cut a deadly swath of destruction along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. In the economically depressed community of Crisfield, Maryland, along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, there remains the ongoing need for rebuilding homes damaged by flood and winds. The summer youth program offers two weeks in June when groups can assist MDS teams in the rebuilding effort.

At Redberry Bible Camp near Redberry, Saskatchewan, the work includes construction and building projects during four weeks in the month of July.

In Divide, Colorado, at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, there is a need for building new structures, fire mitigation around the camp and trail maintenance. There are six weeks available between mid-June and early August to participate in this project.

In each location youth and their sponsors will experience what it means to participate in Christian service and learning while enjoying a week together and growing spiritually.

The summer youth program is designed primarily for youth age 15 and up or those who have completed grade nine and their adult sponsors. The groups are limited in size and require one adult to every three youth, with half of the accompanying adults skilled in construction or building trades.

While MDS covers lodging and meals, each group member must pay $50 USD to participate in the program. A typical SYP week begins with arrival at the location in time for a Sunday evening orientation, work and other activities Monday through Friday noon, with departures Friday evening and Saturday morning. Registration should be sent to MDS by Feb. 13, 2015.

For more information about the program, registration and project locations see: http://mds.mennonite.net/programs/youth-programs

—Posted Feb. 4, 2015