Other dates for this site include:

Demographics

Along the eastern edge of North Carolina is Hyde County. Beautiful inland waterways surround the community and tourists are drawn to the area for its beaches, historic homes and peaceful character. This charming community was home to the infamous “Blackbeard the Pirate” in the early eighteenth century. YouthWorks will be in the rural village of Swan Quarter, located on Swanquarter Bay, an inlet of Pamlico Sound. A 25-mile ferry ride across Pamlico Sound will take visitors to Ocracoke Island, home of North Carolina’s oldest operating lighthouse, among many other local treasures and landmarks. The beauty and serenity of this region has often been interrupted by hurricanes. As a result, construction costs have soared and the lack of affordable housing has become a significant problem. In addition, the Hyde County unemployment rate is among the highest in North Carolina at 8 percent; and 19 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. Join the friendly residents of Coastal Carolina and work together to restore the homes and spirits of those who are struggling.

About the Ministry

We focus on two primary areas of ministry: children and home improvement. Our work with children consists of a hands-on afternoon program led by your youth, known as Kids Club. Kids Club offers high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Kids Club will begin the week of June 22 due to school end dates. Work projects include minor home repair and painting projects. Your group’s willingness to refresh a worn out exterior of a house with a new coat of paint brings real hope and an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Participants will do two days of work projects, and two days of ministry with children so that everyone has an opportunity to do both. Adult leaders will separate youth into ministry groups, and the youth in your group will be mixed with the youth from other groups for their week of service. Due to multiple church groups and varying needs of the community, we cannot confirm until all groups arrive on site exactly what service your youth will be involved with. We ask that you come to serve 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 possible evening/cultural activities includes: Go crabbing (a local term for crab fishing); Canoeing on Lake Mattamuskeet; Attend a local church service; and Community BBQ. 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. Please be aware that Hyde County is not a tourist area on the Outer Banks, rather is somewhat more inland without beaches or much access to the ocean. 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

2 days of work projects & 2 days of Kids Club (beginning June 22, due to school end dates).

Mileage

This site is located on the eastern coast of North Carolina in Hyde County. Hyde County is 78 miles east of Greenville and 160 miles southeast of Raleigh.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Coastal Carolina can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in North Carolina and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out the following local travel and tourism Web site: http://www.visitnc.com.