Work Camps and Internships
Service learning opportunities abound in Southern Ohio and the wider Appalachian region
Service learning opportunities abound in Southern Ohio and the wider Appalachian region. These include:
Summer Work Camps
Both the diocesan and the regional Episcopal Appalachian Ministries sponsor summer work camps. Some are primarily for youth, while others are open to volunteers of all ages. These combine enormously rewarding hands-on experience such as home repair and environmental work with spiritual growth and fellowship.
For work camp opportunities in Southern Ohio, contact Michael Maloney, meamon@aol.com, or the Rev. William O. Bales, williamb@ohiohills.com.
The regional Episcopal Appalachian Ministries, based in Knoxville, also organizes two work camps each summer, open to individuals or groups, youth or adults. These usually take place in Tennessee, Virginia, or sometimes Pennsylvania. Contact Michael Maloney at meamon@aol.com.
Community Service Internships
AmeriCorps and VISTA programs offer myriad ways for people aged 17 and up to serve in Appalachian communities throughout the region. These programs are funded by a combination of federal grants through the Corporation for National Service and local matching funds. Many are completely locally designed to meet local needs and provide outstanding internships with community-based programs, many of which are directed by Appalachian leaders and grassroots organizations. Tutoring, affordable housing, and environmental projects are examples of the kinds of service AmeriCorps members provide.
Through AmeriCorps and VISTA civic-minded people can enroll in year-long internships, both full-time and part-time, that provide a living allowance plus a scholarship to those who complete the required minimum number of hours of service. Some AmeriCorps programs provide summer internships as well. All programs provide professional development as well as rewarding opportunities to help meet important human and environmental needs. To learn more about current projects and openings, visit the AmeriCorps home page (www.americorps.org) or the web site of Ohio's Governor's Community Service Council, http://www.serveohio.org/.
One of the longest-running AmeriCorps programs in the State of Ohio is Project ACE, coordinated by EAM committee member Larry Redden, with AmeriCorps members serving as teachers in four Episcopal-sponsored literacy/GED programs in Appalachian neighborhoods throughout Cincinnati. To find out about serving through Project ACE, contact Larry Redden at lredden@uac.voice.org