The Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The region is home to several small towns and villages, all popular vacation destinations for those seeking a respite from busy city life. But many year-round residents struggle with poverty. Your group will enjoy a rural, wilderness experience while serving with children’s ministries and home repair projects in this scenic community.

Demographics

The Adirondack Park was created by the New York State legislature in 1882. It is comprised of 6.1 million acres—the size of the state of Vermont—and contains 85 percent of all wilderness in the eastern United States. The region also contains 3,000 ponds and lakes and 2,000 miles of hiking trails. The Adirondacks are home to 137,000 people year-round and 200,000 seasonal residents. Tourism, timber and mining remain the mainstays of the modern Adirondack economy and landscape. Tourists spend almost $1.7 billion each year in northern New York, and an estimated 37,000 jobs are supported by both direct and indirect tourist dollars. The YouthWorks site is located in the small community of Warrensburg, at the foothills of the southern Adirondacks. Warrensburg is home to 3,348 residents and is located closely to Lake Champlain, Lake George, Albany and the Adirondack High Peaks. Over 17 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. You’ll enjoy the hospitality and resilient spirit of the residents of this small town as you serve and minister to those 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 an 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 hike; Spend an evening at a bonfire; visit Natural Stone Bridges & Caves; and participate in 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 (beginning early July) and Work Projects (including house painting and working on trails).

Mileage

The nearest airports are located in Syracuse, NY or Albany, NY.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. The Adirondack Mountains can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller. Due to Vicarious Liability Laws, you may not be able to rent 12 or 15 passenger vans in New York, or in other states to be driven in New York. Please check with your insurance provider and rental company for information.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Adirondack Mountains and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out: http://adk.com.