The beauty of the Appalachian Mountains surrounds West Virginia’s Lincoln County. You’ll be awed not only by the scenic landscape, but also by the hospitality of the Appalachian people. The county’s rural location, however, presents economic challenges for the small community. YouthWorks stays in the community of West Hamlin and your group will primarily serve local children and complete home improvement projects in this community and others in Lincoln County.

Demographics

The breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, extending from Georgia to Maine, are scattered with many rural areas, including West Virginia’s Lincoln County. The mountains and the Guyandotte River provide a scenic setting for the town of West Hamlin. The town, located less than one hour from Charleston, is home to a population of 636 people. While the area is rich in coal and other natural resources, they provide little income for this community. Thirty-five percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including 50 percent of those under age 18. Only 63 percent of Lincoln County residents have graduated from high school, and employment is hard to find. Many of the homes and trailers in the area also are in need of repair. You can help restore some of these damaged homes and minister to the people of this community. Come and see what a great impact you can have in these lives—and what great impact Lincoln County residents will have on you.

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. Here is a list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past: attend a clogging show and class; spend an evening at a local lake; spend an evening at a community friend's house; 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

Lincoln County is approximately one hour from Charleston, WV.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Lincoln County 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.