Who can participate?

ASP’s Youth Program is for youth ages 14-18, along with their adult leaders.  Your group will be divided into work crews of 7 people, so we ask that you bring 2 adults for every 5 youth.

When can we go?

The program begins in the month of June each year and runs for 7 weeks.  Your group will serve for one of those weeks.  Specific summer dates are available on the Trip Center page.

Where can we serve?

Your group will serve in one of multiple counties across Central Appalachia.  This area includes Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.    We rent schools, community centers, and other public spaces in each county.    These various facilities are where your group will eat, sleep, and shower.

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?

Each evening the staff leads an Evening Gathering, or “EG.”  The EGs are opportunities to process your experience, learn about Appalachian life, or spend time with the families you are serving. You'll even experience a night of Appalachian culture - a local storyteller or bluegrass band. And you'll have free time to relax and play.

» 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?

Sunday

• 2:00-3:30 pm      Arrive at your summer center, register and unpack
• 4:00-5:00 pm      Staff meet with group leaders
• 5:00 pm                Evening gathering
• 6:00 pm                Dinner
• 7:00 pm                Group leaders and staff travel to meet the families
• 11:00 pm              Lights out

Monday-Friday

• 6:30-8:00 am      Rise and Shine – devotions and breakfast
• 8:00-8:30 am      Make lunches, load supplies, go to worksite
• 9am-4:30pm       Work day with lunch at noon at worksite.
• 5:00-6:00 pm      Clean up, plan supplies for next day and relax
• 6:00-7:00 pm      Dinner
• 7:30-10pm           Evening Gathering, Team Time, other activities
• 10:30-11 pm       Quiet time, prepare for bed
• 11:00 pm              Lights out

Special Evenings:  Tuesday is Culture Night – experience local flavor – bluegrass band or storyteller; Thursday night is a picnic for volunteers and the families they are serving to fellowship together.

Saturday

• 7:00 am                Pack, Center cleanup, Goodbye.

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Application FAQ

What's the application deadline?

Summer program events are posted on ASP’s website by September each year.  Scheduling for summer will be almost complete by November 1, so apply early to secure your preferred week.   Reservations received after November 1 will continue to be scheduled until all weeks are filled.   You are welcome to call the Volunteer Department at 423 854 4405 if you have questions.

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

When you register on line, you are not required to give the names of individual volunteers, however, at two weeks prior to your trip date, each of your group members will need to register on line so that we can build a group roster to provide to your center.    We charge an initial group registration fee of $95.  By November 1, we will ask for a deposit of $50 per person.  This deposit is required to hold your spots and is non-refundable.   The number of participants in your group may be increased as availability permits. 

Can we request a specific date?

With the registration process, you will select your preferred date(s) based on space availability at the time you register. Please do not hesitate to call us if you need assistance with finding openings.

Can we request a specific county in which to serve?

We will do our best to pair you with another church but this is will depend upon space availability when you register.   Please contact us directly or indicate in the Special Considerations field when you register.

Can we request to be paired with another specific group?

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

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

The cost is $310 per person.

• $50 per person is due November 1
• $175 per person is due on March 1
• $85 per person is due on May 1.

What's included in the fees?

At ASP we take care of all of the details, leaving you free to minister to your youth.  Your fees cover:

• Lodging
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
• Construction materials, tools, project supplies and delivery to your worksite.
• Project selection and screening, matching to group skill level.
• Evening programming and entertainment
• Staff coordination of your project and leadership of Evening Gatherings
• Pre-Trip preparation packet to group leaders with team building, devotions, construction training, sensitivity training, fundraising ideas
• Group Leader training webinars

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 as 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 each day.   Each work crew must have its own vehicle – a van is best for hauling people and supplies.   If your total group size is 21 = 3 crews – you must have 3 vehicles.

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At the Worksite FAQ

What kinds of projects will we work on?

Volunteers work on a variety of different projects, including tasks such as 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 skill level to an appropriate project.

Will our entire group serve together on the same project?

No. Each group must plan to divide into work crews of 7.  A work crew is made up of 2 adults and 5 youth.   Each work crew is then assigned to a separate project.

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

Yes.  Your project will be assigned 1 to 2 weeks in advance of your trip.  Your center staff will review project details along with your construction skill assessment during a pre-trip phone call to insure your group is properly matched to the project they’ve identified for you.

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 your centers.  Volunteers are also welcome to bring their own tools.    The ASP staff will purchase supplies from the local hardware store each morning and will 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?

Each evening, the staff leads an Evening Gathering (EG). The EG’s provide an opportunity to process your experience, learn about Appalachian culture, spend time with other volunteers, or with the families you are serving. Attendance is required at all EG’s.

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 are many parts of an EG:  mixers, singing, sharing, storytelling, teaching, learning, scripture, and prayer.  Each part helps us process our experience in our minds, hearts, and lives.

Will we have free time?

Yes, you will have an opportunity for free time.  There is some down time after the EG.  We encourage you to spend time with your own group, getting to know other volunteers, thinking about your experience, or reading.   Volunteers may have the opportunity to play basketball, Frisbee, run, or just hang out.  Going to the local ice cream shop is a big part of ASP culture.  It’s also a great way to boost the local economy, bond with your group, and meet local folks.

Where do we sleep?

In each of the counties where we serve, we rent schools, community centers and other public spaces.  In   these facilities, volunteers sleep on the floor using air mattresses or cots and sleeping bags.

Who prepares food?

We hire local cooks in each county.  We serve breakfast and dinner at the center.  ASP provides supplies for volunteers to make sandwiches to take to their worksites.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring additional snacks to supplement their lunches and to have during down time.

Is there cell phone coverage?

Cell phone coverage is very spotty throughout the area we serve. There is cell phone coverage in many of our centers. There is no WIFI coverage at 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 is a Christian organization founded by a United Methodist minister.  We believe that regardless of geography, education, or economic class, we are all equal members of the family of God, and we are called to share His love.  When we move to help those in need, God moves in our hearts.  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.  Evening programming focuses on the role of faith in our lives and in our future.

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