For the overnight of January 28-29, current workcampers and chaperones involved in Newtown Ecumenical Workcamp Servants (NEWS) participated in a sleepathon in a temporary shelter they constructed outside Newtown Congregational Church.

The event is a staple of the longstanding mission group that engages youth from eighth grade through high school seniors. It is meant to bring attention to what life can be like for those who live below the poverty line.

Cell phones were turned in during the sleepathon. Instead of spending time online and on phones, young adults experienced a soup kitchen, participated in a finance exercise, constructed centerpieces for a March breakfast event, and competed in toy car races, among other activities.

This year’s group of 30 campers and 14 chaperones are fundraising and working toward a late June trip to Appalachia, where they will make homes warmer, safer, and drier by providing critical repairs.

Planning and fundraising for the trip is a year-long process for the participants. Public support is always welcome.

To learn more contact NEWS Board Member Laura Roche at lauraroche41@gmail.com.