Diocesan WorkCamp
Arlington Diocese WorkCamp is an annual youth ministry program culminating in a week-long overnight camp providing the teens of the Diocese with an opportunity to encounter Christ through service, faith, and fellowship. This program is administered by the Office of Youth, Campus, & Young Adult Ministries.
This service opportunity combines prayer, great speakers, daily Mass, confession, and tons of fun, making it an integrated experience of true Christian community and one of the most transformational opportunities of the year!
WorkCamp 2026 will be held June 20–26, 2026 in Shenandoah County, Virginia.
Meeting Schedule
Holy Spirit WorkCamp participants will meet on the following dates from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Youth Ministry Quinn Room. Parents are invited to attend.
January 14, 2026 – WorkCamp Meeting #1
February 11, 2026 – WorkCamp Meeting #2
March 25, 2026 – WorkCamp Meeting #3
April 22, 2026 – WorkCamp Meeting #4
February-April TBD – 3 Lent Soup Suppers
Adult Volunteers
Adult volunteers are needed to ensure WorkCamp is safe and successful. Find out how you can participate as an adult volunteer to help in this effort:
Contractor – A WorkCamp Contractor is not necessarily a licensed contractor; these are men and women who are skilled at basic home repair and maintenance and act as a project leader during WorkCamp. These skills can be anything from interior or exterior painting to building wheelchair ramps or decks and many projects in between.
Adult Crew Leader – A WorkCamp Adult Crew Leader is not simply a chaperone but rather directly responsible for the safety and well-being of their teens at WorkCamp. They are part of the formation process with the teens prior to WorkCamp and are with the teens continuously throughout WorkCamp; working with them all day on the job site, eating meals with them, praying with them, and leading them in team-building activities.
Homebase Volunteer – Homebase team members are those volunteers that support the many logistical tasks required to keep the WorkCamp Homebase running. This includes helping with preparing meals, setting up for nightly program, first-aid, and helping in the tool room.
F.A.Q.s
I’m a rising 8th grader. Can I participate in WorkCamp?
Unfortunately no, WorkCamp is only for current 9th-12th graders.
Can I arrive late or leave early from WorkCamp?
No, you must be available for the full camp. No exceptions are made for late arrivals or early departures.
What are the costs associated with WorkCamp?
The Diocese charges $600 per participant (youth & adult crew leader). Adding in van costs, tool day supplies, food, etc., total costs typically reach about $800 per participant. We will fundraise through a variety of ways to bring that cost down. First, teens must apply to attend WorkCamp with Nativity. This includes a $200 nonrefundable deposit which will be put toward the full registration fee. Our goal is to raise the remaining $400 per teen and any additional costs so parents do not have any other out of pocket costs. Final payments will vary based on the success of our fundraising efforts. If we do not reach our goal, the remaining balance (after applying fundraising) will be due April 1. Most years, we reach our fundraising goals and parents only have to pay the $200 deposit.
What other costs should I budget for?
All WorkCampers (teens and adult crew leaders) need work boots, a personal tool kit, a cot, and a sleeping bag. These fees are not included in the Diocesan registration fee, so parents should plan accordingly.
What does a typical day look like at WorkCamp?
On Saturday, parishes travel to Homebase and the teens meet their crews. Sunday is a team-building day. Monday through Thursday, crews are on their work sites from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. When crews arrive back to Homebase, everyone showers, eats dinner, and has some free time for games and fellowship. Each evening, we have Program (games, inspirational speakers, music, etc.), followed by parish discussions. Plus, we begin each day with daily Mass. Friday is a celebration with all the residents we served, and we will arrive back at Holy Spirit around 4:00 p.m.
Will I be paired with my friends on the worksite?
No, each crew is made up of 5-6 teens who are each from different parishes. This gives teens the opportunity to start fresh and make new friends. You will have time to connect with your Holy Spirit friends when you’re at Homebase (meals, Program, parish discussions, etc.)
Can I bring my phone with me?
In accord with Diocesan policy, teens are not permitted to have their phones or any technology with them for the duration of WorkCamp. This includes smart watches, headphones, gaming devices, laptops, etc. Parents, we ask that you help us enforce this policy by having your child leave all devices at home. Bringing any form of technology to camp is grounds for being sent home early. While not having a phone may cause some initial stress to teens or parents, we have found that our WorkCampers appreciate a break from their phones and that it allows them to invest more deeply in the experience. If your child requires a medical exception to this policy, please communicate this in advance.
WorkCamp Gallery
