Christian Appalachian Project

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WorkFest

WorkFest is a "spring break alternative.” It goes beyond a weeklong gathering of college students enjoying time away from classes. WorkFest allows students to devote their time and energy to improve the homes of Appalachian residents while learning about the injustices and realities of poverty.

CAP knows WorkFest impacts the lives of volunteers in many ways. But here are some objectives and benefits that will help you understand what we want to achieve through our projects and the benefits they offer.

To involve participants in self-help activities throughout the CAP housing process, including sweat equity and financial pay back where possible
To minimize cost of repair and construction through safe, effective use of volunteer labor and donated material
To serve more people by using outside funding when possible
To be flexible in areas of financing in order to serve participants at all levels of poverty
To strategically cooperate with other housing agencies to stretch resources and minimize duplication of services
To live out and promote the Gospel through all of our actions

History
WorkFest has been around for decades, but only recently, has been called so and has been the organized event it is now. In the 1970s, a handful of colleges would inquire about sending students to volunteer at CAP, and usually a group of 10 students would end up participating. Based on this, a CAP employee had the idea of turning this event into a “hands on” way to live out the gospel and learn more about Appalachia at the same time.

Information and Requirements
Information and requirements for participation in WorkFest.

Reserve a spot at WorkFest

Special WorkFest Needs
Bring comfortable clothing for both work and free time. Kentucky weather varies greatly, so we suggest dressing in layers. You should bring old work clothes to prevent damaging anything new. Here are some extra items you will need for WorkFest that CAP recommends and regrettably will not be able to provide:

Schedules
To give a better idea of what a typical day in WorkFest is like, take a look at these planned daily activities.

Participating Schools
View a list of colleges and universities that participated in WorkFest 2008.

Past & Future WorkFests
What better way to perfectly describe the essence of WorkFests than from past participants?

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