Other dates for this site include:

Demographics

Located on the St. Croix River and the Canadian border, the town of Calais in Washington County features some of the most unspoiled scenery in Maine. Visitors can enjoy hunting, kayaking, white-water rafting, hiking and more at a variety of interesting spots. The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge—a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife—encompasses 24,500 acres. Nearly 4,000 residents make their home in Calais, with 20 percent of residents age 65 or older. The regional population is 15,000. Currently, retail, service and construction are the primary components of the Calais economy. The town also has been working to revitalize its downtown area. While visitors enjoy the scenery, a closer look at the town and its residents reveals areas of poverty and economic struggle. Nearly 17 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including almost 20 percent of residents under the age of 18 and 19 percent of those age 65 or older. Come enjoy the uncrowded pleasures of coastal life while you serve the town’s most needy residents.

About the Ministry

Our goal is to help meet the needs of the residents of this community by leading our own ministry projects, as well as by providing support and volunteers to already existing social service organizations. Participants will run a Kids Club and will have the opportunity to do 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. Work projects include minor home repair and painting projects. Groups will also work alongside numerous social service organizations to support children ministries, the elderly and the homeless. At the beginning of the ministry week, once on site, Adult Leaders will work with the Site Director to separate their participants into work crews. 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 ministries we partner with, 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 evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: ride on the Sylvina W. Beal – a local sailboat (this activity has an additional cost of $10/person); attend a community concert and visit the Heritage Center; attend a community cookout; and attend a local church service. 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

Two days of work projects/house painting and two days of Kids Club (beginning late June).

Mileage

Our Coastal Maine mission site is approximately 100 miles northeast from Bangor, Maine, which has an airport.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Coastal Maine 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 Maine, or in other states to be driven in Maine. 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 Maine before or after your trip, check out the Web site at: http://www.visitmaine.com.