Crofton Patch Whiz Kids: Youth Group of Community United Methodist in Crofton

Whiz Kids' Names:  Youth Group of Community United Methodist in Crofton

Members include Kevin Basilio, Janice Berry, Robby Berry, Ryan Berry, Jillian Buck, AJ Canine, Jess Cantley, Kristin Cassard, Ross Cheetham, Aleigh Consoli, Jillian England, Nick England, Alex Fagan, Kaileigh Fagan, Kathleen Fagan, Kate Falls, Michelle Forbus, Becky Gilbert, Larry Gilbert, Clark Griffith, Erik Hedin, Alan Hicks, Faith Hicks, Heather Hicks, Jennie Higgs, Sarah Hughes, Jodie Jacque, Dave Lanzer, Fran Lanzer, Katie MacLeod, Melanie Moon, Danny Munns, Abby Myers, Will Newton, Shelby Olender, Sabrina Panek, Angela Perantoni, Catherine Platt, Jeff Platts, Brian Ranck, Sandi Ranck, Chelsea Roden, Suzanne Sankey, Rachel Sanner, David Schlie, Chrissy Shimko, Mike Shimko, Jenny Snowden, Lanie Stargel, Matt Stargel, Tim Stargel, Trevor Stewart, Elisabeth Trunnell, Sara Turner and Ian Wood

Whiz Kids' Accomplishments: Patch was impressed with these young people and asked Becky Gilbert, director of youth ministries at the church, to explain more about the group's primary service project. Gilbert sent the following information.

For the last 20 years, the youth of Community United Methodist have spent one week each summer working with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). It takes several months to prepare for this trip. Our preparations for this trip include monthly meetings for team building and spiritual direction. Fundraising is also a part of what we have to do to get ready for ASP as more than $ 20,000 is needed to cover travel expenses and supplies and materials needed for the projects for the week. Housing is normally at a local school or community center.

ASP was founded in 1969 by Rev. Glenn "Tex" Evans and is a nonprofit organization that works with families in the Appalachia area doing home repairs. The reoccurring theme of ASP is: “We accept people where they are, just the way they are.” One goal of  ASP is to make homes “warmer, safer and drier.” ASP is more than a building program—it's a relationship ministry. Participants learn lessons that will enrich their faith and build character for the rest of their lives.

The work that is done depends on the family’s needs and the shape of the house where they live. Roof repair, reinforcing or replacing the floors or the foundation of the house, plumbing, painting, building stairs, porches or adding a bathroom to a home that has never had indoor plumbing, all of these are examples of projects that the youth might work on during their week with ASP.

Groups are divided into seven-person teams, five youth with two adult leaders and spend each day getting to know the family they are helping as they perform work orders to repair or enhance the family home depending on the needs. Teams experience Appalachian culture on “culture night.” Local speakers provide insight into the local area’s history, industry and economics.  Each week, all teams and their families are invited to a “community” picnic to allow each family to meet each other and the other teams.

ASP has service opportunities all over Appalachia, enabling groups to help in different areas each year. The home office of ASP is located in Johnson City, TN, but ASP has service locations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.  Youth groups from all over the country come to the Appalachia region each summer to serve.   

For more information about ASP, click here. To learn more about the Youth Group at Community United Methodist Church-Crofton, see the group's website.

If you know any Whiz Kids in Crofton who deserve recognition, send an e-mail to susan@patch.com.