The YouthWorks site in Tennessee is in the quiet, southern town of Newport. Adventurers will love camping in the nearby Smoky Mountains or hiking the Appalachian Trail. Or, the more laid-back can enjoy the region’s traditional Bluegrass music. Unfortunately, the town’s remote location provides little opportunity for residents, many of whom struggle with unemployment and poverty. Your group will love serving alongside the friendly residents of Newport as you minister through Kids Club and home improvement projects.

Demographics

Majestic mountains, sparkling rivers and scenic wilderness are the backdrop for the 7,449 residents of Newport, Tennessee. Located in eastern Tennessee’s Cocke County, Newport is approximately 50 miles east of Knoxville. The Pigeon River and Norfolk/Southern Railroad run parallel to Newport’s Main Street, where you can enjoy shopping and dining. While this town has a low cost of living, there still are residents who struggle to make ends meet, often because of the lack of educational and employment opportunities. Only 60 percent of Newport’s residents have a high school diploma, and the unemployment rate hovers near 8 percent. Twenty-nine percent of the population lives in poverty, including almost 48 percent of children under age 18. Visit Newport and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to this peaceful community.

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 possible evening/cultural activities include: going on a hike; attend a bluegrass concert; attend a local church service; 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.

Mileage

The closest airport to Newport is in Knoxville, TN, 49 miles west. Asheville, NC is 68 miles northeast and Chattanooga, TN is 160 miles southeast. The two nearest international airports are in Charlotte, NC, 197 miles southeast, or 227 miles west in Nashville, TN.

Transportation & Travel

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

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Tennessee before or after your trip, visit the Web sites: www.cockecounty.com and www.state.tn.us/tourdev/.