The beauty of the Appalachian Mountains surrounds Logan, West Virginia. The rustic, wilderness setting is inviting, as is the hospitality of the Appalachian people. The county’s rural location, however, presents economic challenges for the small community. Your group will primarily serve the local children and complete home improvement projects as you encourage residents with the love of Christ.

Demographics

The breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, extending from Georgia to Maine, are scattered with many rural towns, including Logan, West Virginia. Logan, located in the southern part of the state—less than one hour from Charleston—is home to a population of 1,630 people. Visitors can hike, swim or picnic at the 4,000-acre Chief Logan State Park, or walk along the banks of the Guyandotte River. This region prospered during the World War II era through a sustained demand for coal, timber and agriculture products. However, improved technology in coal mining and greater competitiveness of alternative fuels eventually reduced the need for labor in the mining industry. Today, jobs are scarce and over 20 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including nearly 30 percent of those under age 18. Because of the terrain in Logan, many of the homes and trailers also are in need of repair due to flooding. You can help restore some of these damaged homes and minister to the people of this community. In serving and spending time in Logan, your group will most certainly be blessed by the warm welcome of the Appalachian people.

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: Spend an evening at Chief Logan State Park; Attend a local church service; Attend a Bluegrass concert; and take part 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 and Work Projects.

Mileage

Logan is one hour and 15 minutes southwest from Charleston, WV.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Logan can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller and cannot accommodate trailers.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in West Virginia and surrounding areas before or after your trip, visit the Web site: www.wvtourism.com.