Rubber CityWork Camp

We see Christ under two forms: We see Him on the altar, as bread; we see Him in the slum, as the broken bodies of forgotten people. — Mother Theresa

The gospel was first proclaimed in the city; it came to its fulfillment in the city. At the Ascension, Jesus sent His disciples into the city to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is clear that God has a special love for the city, wherever it may be.

This program, one of many operated by OPEN M, offers a ministry to the poor of the city. For the campers, it provides mission education, and the opportunity to put into practice the faith we profess.

In the Work Camps, persons from all over the country bring their skills, their energy and their search for a deeper faith. Here, they meet the day-to-day struggles for survival faced by the 62,000 households in Southwest Akron, the most economically stressed part of the metropolitan area.

Campers and their advisors will live in OPEN M's Neighborhood Center equipped with showers and other amenities. From this base they will disperse to various projects for the day. Each evening they will return for showers, a change of clothes and the chance to unwind.

Based on their skill level and experience, campers may work on home repair for disabled or elderly persons, aid in the rehabilitation of church buildings, prepare and serve meals for the hungry or work with inner-city children trying to escape the boredom and temptations of the summer.

Each evening the campers will be hosted for dinner by a congregation and there learn of the mix of ministries found in the urban area. This exposure to a variety of ethnic and economic groups and the specialized ministries that are the mark of their mission will expand the campers' experience of city ministry and help strengthen their understanding of the many faces of the church.

Reflecting on these experiences through individual daily prayer and corporate worship brings a fresh perspective to the understanding of discipleship. The powerful connection between Christ under the sign of bread on the altar and Christ in the lost and forgotten, fosters new insight

Persons who have been through the Rubber City Work Camp experience have reported making new friendships with the persons they have come to help. Often traveling long distances to a city they do not know, to work with people they have not met, campers have established lively correspondence with new-found friends as they walk the daily journey of life in the love and support of one another.

Campers have also developed new relationships with their fellow campers. Working side-by-side in a partnership, sometimes covered head-to-toe with the same dirt, allows the discovery of the gift God gives us in one another.

What is the Week Like?

Each morning, campers have breakfast and are on their work sites by 9:00 am. Lunch is served at Noon and then campers return to their work sites. At 4:00 pm the group returns to the Neighborhood Center for showers and relaxation.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, the campers visit a host church for dinner, fellowship and to learn about one facet of urban ministry. After dinner, the evening is unscheduled until devotions and lights out at around 10:00 pm. On Wednesday, picnic supplies are packed and a free evening is spent in one of the local parks which offers hiking trails, ballfields and room to roam.

Written and oral evaluations conclude the week prior to Saturday morning departure.

Read About a Recent Experience

To read an article published in the Akron Beacon Journal about the experiences of one group in 2001, click HERE

Costs

Administrative Fee (Group) $100
Materials (Group) $300
Tuition (per camper) $150

Everything needed for the week, except personal spending money, is included in the above-listed costs.

Other Considerations

The work is hard and dirty; appropriate clothing is a must.

The Neighborhood Center, in which the campers live for the week is a multipurpose facility that serves many needs and operates several programs every day. Sleeping spaces are made in rooms where other activities are conducted during daytime hours. "Bunking in" is part of the adventure of work camping!

Houses in the inner-city tend to be old and tall; many are three stories high. In recruiting your crew, it is essential to include persons who are able to work from tall ladders and roof peaks.

Each group provides its own adult leadership: One adult (21+) for every five campers (13+); three adults for every ten campers under the age of 13.

A minimum of ten participants (adults and youth) are required.

Appropriate insurance coverage is required.

Signing Up

It is essential that groups wishing to secure a place for this exciting experience do so early since our camp schedule is usually filled before Thanksgiving.

Send your initial inquiry to: programs@openm.org
While the full, seven-day program is preferred, we can create a schedule which best fits the needs of your group.