Who can participate?

Adults of all ages are welcome in our Adult Program. Whether you're in college, mid-career or retired, ASP will help you create an experience that's just right for you.

When can we go?

The ASP Adult/College program will run year round beginning in September 2012.  Volunteers may elect to serve for up to five days during any specific week from September through the end of May with flexible arrival days.   During the summer months, all groups will follow the traditional summer 5 day week with arrival on Sunday and departure on Saturday.

Where can we serve?

You will serve in the community surrounding one of ASP's three year-round centers: Jonesville, Virginia; Guyan Valley, West Virginia; or Chavies, Kentucky. These climate-controlled centers have bunk beds, showers, and a cafeteria.

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?

ASP will tailor your evening programming to your group's preferences. Our staff can lead an Evening Gathering to help you process your experience, with a focus on social justice issues, Appalachian history, worship and reflection, or even a night of Appalachian culture - a local storyteller or bluegrass band. Or you may opt for free time to relax with other volunteers.

>> 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

4:00 p.m. Arrive at your center, register & unpack
5:00 p.m. Staff meet with group leaders
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Group leaders & staff travel to meet the families
11:00 p.m. Lights-out; get rested for a wonderful experience!

Work Days

6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Rise & shine, devotions and breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Make lunches, load supplies & go to worksites
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work day with lunch at noon at the worksite
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Clean up, plan supplies for the next day & relax
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. - 10:00pm. Evening Gathering (if desired), chores, free time, & other activities
10:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Quiet time; settle in for a well-deserved sleep
11:00 p.m. Lights out!

Departure Day

7:00 a.m. - 10 a.m. Pack, center clean-up, & good bye

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Application FAQ

When is the application deadline?

Groups will sign up using our on-line registration process.  All dates and locations for the adult/college program events are established 6 to 9 months in advance.  As long as there is available space for an event, groups may register for a trip as late as 4 weeks in advance of a trip date.

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

When you register online, you will be asked to reserve the number of spaces needed for your group.   A flat fee of $95 is required to register your group, along with a $50 per person non-refundable deposit, payable with a credit card or upon receipt of an invoice within 30 days of registration.    You may increase your group size based on space availability at that time.   With online registration, all group members are asked to register by no later than 2 weeks prior to your trip date.

Can we request a specific date?

With on-line registration, you will have access to all trip date and space availability information.   You may complete the registration process on your own.  You will no longer need to contact the Volunteer Department to pre-register your group.

Can we request a specific county in which to serve?

Yes, as availability allows.  You will have access to all trip date and space availability information for each of the year-round centers.

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

Application Fee (per group)
$95

Volunteer Fees

$65 per person/per day

What's included in the fees?

At ASP we take care of all the details, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the experience and bond with your group. Your fees cover:

• 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
• Trained staff to coordinate 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.  If your group decreases in size, only 10% of the initial deposit of $50 will be applied to a future trip; no refunds of the $50 per person deposit are permitted.  The balance of fees paid will not be refunded and will not be applied to a future trip.  Expenses incurred by ASP do not change should you have need to cancel your planned trip.   Both the group application fee and the volunteer deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to any other fee.  Your $95 application fee will be refunded only if ASP cannot 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 5-7 people, so for a group of 21 people = 3 crews = 3 vehicles.)

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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?

The ASP staff at your center will be available to provide guidance and instructions while you are there and at the worksites. Your group leaders will function as worksite managers and communicators. An assigned construction consultant will be available at various times during the week to inspect your progress with your project.    The ASP Home Repair Coordinator will also be available at all times to inspect the progress with your project or address any concerns you may have.

Will we be safe?

Safety is of utmost importance at ASP. ASP requires that every volunteer be equipped with safety goggles and ear protection while on a worksite. For projects that involve demolition, N95 dust masks will be required. If groups are not equipped with these items, ASP is prepared to provide them.

 Minor injuries can occur so we ask that all groups spend time in their pre-trip activities to increase everyone’s awareness of operating safely while at the worksite and while at the center. The ASP Safety Manual is provided to help you with this preparation.

Note: ASP screens each worksite and signs a covenant with each homeowner to ensure a safe and friendly environment for all volunteers.

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, with a focus on social justice issues, Appalachian history, worship and reflection, or even a night of Appalachian culture - a local storyteller or bluegrass band. Or you may opt for free time to relax with other volunteers.

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 WiFi available?

WiFi is now available at each of our year-round centers

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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