Other dates for this site include:

Demographics

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a narrow peninsula located between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Chesapeake Bay on the west. It is 22 miles at its widest point. With more than 128,000 acres of woodland, 143,000 acres of tidal marsh and 263 square miles of water, the Eastern Shore is ideal for getting back to nature. The town of Onancock and surrounding area were heavily influenced by Native Americans in their early settlement, evident today by the names of the towns and villages. Today, however, the residents of Onancock are primarily white (66 percent) and African American (31 percent), but the Hispanic population (3 percent) is steadily growing. The total population is currently 1,525. Housing costs have climbed from a median price of $79,400 in 2000 to $94,600 in 2005 and, for many residents, their wages can’t keep up with this increase. An average unemployment rate of 10 percent has led to poverty in parts of the community. The per capita income for the town is $18,393 and 15.3 percent live below the poverty line. Come to the Eastern Shore for a life-changing opportunity to serve this community in need.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: go on a walking tour of downtown; go crabbing with local community members; visit local hotspots in Onancock; and attend a community cookout. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Kids Club and Work Projects. Due to school schedules, Kids Club may not be offered the first week of programming. 7/25 and 8/1 are Multi-generational Family Mission Trip Weeks for this site. Please refer to Family Mission Trip page for more information.

Mileage

The Eastern Shore is 160 miles northeast of Richmond International Airport, 77 miles north of Norfolk International Airport and 180 miles south of Washington, DC. During the week, budget for higher gas expenses, as everyone drives long distances on the Shore, and for toll fees over the Chesapeake Bridge.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Be prepared for a toll fee for the Chesapeake Bridge. Also, your group will be doing more driving as everyone drives a distance on the Eastern Shore - please budget accordingly. This is a bus accessible site. A bus is defined as any vehicle that is larger than a standard 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring a vehicle in this category, you will need to contact the Service Center to discuss the additional requirements due to the size of your group.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do on Virginia’s Eastern Shore before or after your trip, call the Cape Charles / Northampton County Chamber of Commerce at 1.757.331.2304, or check out these Web sites: www.ccncchamber.com/index.htm or www.virginia.org.