Raleigh County, WV can be described as a mountain paradise in the Eastern US. Nestled in the rolling Appalachia countryside, pleasant weather conditions year round makes Raleigh County a wonderful place to visit. Raleigh County faces challenges common to predominantly rural communities, including economic struggles and lack of resources. Your group will bring the light and love of Christ to Raleigh County residents by primarily serving the local children and completing home improvement projects.

Demographics

The first settlers moved into the Raleigh County area in 1792 as fur traders in search of beaver pelts. Raleigh County was formed prior to the Civil War, in honor of Sir Walter Raleigh, an English soldier. Coal mining brought a surge of inhabitants in Raleigh County in the early 1900’s – with population topping out at around 91,000 at the time! However with the decline of coal mining beginning in the 1950’s, the population and prosperity in the area declined as well. Current leading industries include health, tourism, coal and related products, timber, mining and equipment, and electronic parts. The chief agricultural products are cattle, potatoes, peppers, corn, strawberries and show horses. The New River Gorge National River brings many outdoor enthusiasts to the area, especially in summer months. Raleigh County is predominantly rural, but with larger cities like Beckley, this county is slightly more urbanized than other Appalachian counties. Despite the natural beauty of the area, the county suffers from the sprawl of its communities and the lack of regulations securing property values. Low median household incomes and 18.5% of the population below the poverty line mean economic struggles for many residents.

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: Worship with a local church; Go on a community scavenger hunt; Tour a local museum / listen to a speaker; and a Community Cookout. 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

This site is approximately 70 miles from Charleston, WV

Transportation & Travel

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

Additional Information

Read more about Raleigh County at http://www.raleighcounty.com/