Who can participate?

All college students are welcome in our Adult Program, whether you are a group of friends or an on-campus group, such as:

• Community Service Organizations
• Service Learning Organizations
• Alternative Break Organizations
• Campus Ministries
• Church College & Student Ministries

When can we go?

Many college students participate on fall, winter, and spring breaks, but you may serve for either a week or a long weekend any time between September and April. Check our Availability Calendar for exact dates, or call the Volunteer Department at (423) 854-4407.

Where can we serve?

What kinds of projects will we work on?

Volunteers work on a variety of projects, including strengthening foundations, patching leaks, fixing roofs, building walls, repairing stairs, digging flood channels, installing plumbing, and painting exteriors. No matter how much building experience you have, we will match your group's project to your skills.

What do we do at night?

>> What is a typical day like for a volunteer?
>> How do we apply?
>> How much does it cost?
>> What about transportation?
>> What can I expect at the worksite?
>> What can I expect at the center?

What is a typical day like for a volunteer?

Arrival Day

Work Days

Departure Day

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Application FAQ

What's the application deadline?

Adult Program applications are available on ASP's website September through April.  You are encouraged to apply at least 3 months in advance of your requested service date, but we will accept applications and schedule groups up to two weeks prior to service, as availability allows. ASP schedules groups as applications are received and on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that dates in September/October and March/April fill quickly, so apply early!

You may pre-register your group by calling the Volunteer Department at (423) 854-4407. Be sure to give all the information needed: your name and contact information, name of the church/organization, date of service, number of volunteers, and where you would like to serve (one of our year-round centers).

What if I don't know who our group members will be right now?

Our application does not require that you give names of individual volunteers – just a count of how many volunteers you will bring. We charge a flat fee with your application to reserve your week. You can adjust your group size up or down when you pay your Volunteer Deposit, a per-person fee.

Can we request a specific date?

Yes, as availability allows. Groups are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Check our Availability Calendar for exact dates, or call the Volunteer Department at (423) 854-4407.

Can we request a specific county in which to serve?

Yes, as availability allows. You will serve at one of ASP’s three permanent centers: Jonesville, Virginia; Guyan Valley, West Virginia; or Chavies, Kentucky. Check our Availability Calendar for exact dates, or call the Volunteer Department at (423) 854-4407.

Can we request to be paired with another specific group?

We will do our best to pair you with another group. You may also apply as a cooperative entity (2 or more groups/organizations/churches participating together) on your application.

How much does it cost?

What are ASP's fees?

Application Fee (per group)
$95

Volunteer Fees (per person)
College Week $220
College Weekend $85

What's included in the fees?

• Lodging
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
• Construction materials, tools, and project supplies, and delivery to worksites
• Project selection and screening, and matching to group skill level
• Customized evening programming and entertainment
• Highly trained staff to supervise construction and lead evening programming
• Pre-Trip Preparation Packet for group leaders with team building, devotions, construction training, sensitivity training, fundraising ideas, and everything you need to get ready

Will our fees be refunded if we have to cancel?

Any fees already paid will not be refunded if you cancel your participation. Both the group application fee and the volunteer deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to any other fee. Your $95 application check will be refunded only if we can not schedule your group.

What about transportation?

Groups must provide their own transportation to and from Appalachia, and to and from the worksite while in region. Each workcrew must have its own vehicle. (A workcrew is 7 people, so for a group of 21 people = 3 crews = 3 vehicles.) Particularly if you are a campus organization, your college or university may allow you to use their vehicles.

Need to rent vans or other vehicles for your trip?  Avis offers discounts for ASP groups. Call 1-800-331-1212 and use the discount code AWD #J790324.

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At the Worksite FAQ

What kinds of projects will we work on?

Volunteers work on a variety of projects, including strengthening foundations, patching leaks, fixing roofs, building walls, repairing stairs, digging flood channels, installing plumbing, and painting exteriors. No matter how much building experience you have, we will match your group's project to your skills.

Will we know what our project is before we arrive in Appalachia?

Yes. Your project will be assigned 1 to 2 weeks before your trip. Your center staff will call you to finalize all details and match your project to your skill level.

Who provides direction out in the field?

Our highly-trained staff provide guidance out in the field, including at the centers and at work sites. Staff are equipped to provide construction expertise, as well as evening programming.

Will we be safe?

Yes. Minor injuries can occur, as they can on any outdoor activity. Our staff are trained to emphasize safety and are trained in first aid in the event that it is needed. In addition, we attempt to match project requirements with the skill level of the group.

Where do the tools and supplies come from?

ASP provides tools at each of our centers, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. Staff purchase supplies from the local hardware store each morning, and they deliver them to the worksites throughout the day. ASP is committed to making an economic investment in the communities we serve by supporting local businesses.

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At the Center FAQ

What do we do at night?

ASP will tailor your evening programming to your group’s preferences.  Our staff can lead an Evening Gathering to help you process your experience, or you may opt for free time to relax with other volunteers.

For service learning groups, our programming can supplement classroom learning on topics like Appalachian history and culture, social justice, roots of poverty, vocational discernment, etc.  If you are a campus ministry, we can also provide worship and opportunities for faith development.  We even offer a fun night of Appalachian culture – a local storyteller or bluegrass band.

What is an Evening Gathering (EG)?

ASP’s founder, Tex Evans, created ASP not to solve poverty issues in Appalachia, but to change lives. There may be many parts of an EG: mixers, singing, sharing, story-telling, teaching and learning, scripture, and prayer.  Each part helps us process our experience in our minds, hearts, and lives.

Will we have free time?

Yes. There is down time in the evening. We encourage you to spend time getting to know other volunteers, thinking about your experience, relaxing, going to the local ice cream shop, or reading.

Where do we sleep?

You will stay in one of ASP's three permanent centers in Jonesville, Virginia; Guyan Valley, West Virginia; or Chavies, Kentucky. These climate-controlled centers have bunk beds, showers, and a cafeteria.

Who prepares food?

We hire local cooks in each county.  We serve breakfast and dinner at the center.  ASP provides supplies for volunteers to pack lunches to take to their worksites.

Is there cell phone coverage?

Cell phone coverage is spotty in the mountains. There is cell phone coverage in many of our centers.

Can we communicate with family and friends back home?

Yes - but we encourage you to use your cell phone only for emergencies. An important part of the ASP experience is transporting yourself away from your everyday life, and immersing yourself in your experience in Central Appalachia.

What is the role of religion at ASP?

ASP was founded by a United Methodist minister and is a Christian organization. As a Christian ministry committed to “faith in action,” we believe it is important to start and end the day by gathering to give thanks to God.  You may request evening programming that focuses on the role of faith in our lives and in our future.  Meditation and prayer help volunteers move closer toward the transformation they seek from the ASP trip.

What if we're not a faith-based group?

ASP is open to all people. This means that no matter where you come from, no matter what organization, school, or business you belong to, you will always find open arms at ASP. Our Adult Program is extremely flexible, especially in our evening programming, and ASP is committed to helping you create a meaningful experience that’s just right for you.

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