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GIVE and TAKE
n the third week of August, new and returning Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) volunteers gathered at Camp AJ for a volunteer commissioning and retreat. It was a time to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for their time of service, with activities that were both fun and serious. There was laughter when they played games, camaraderie as they prepared meals, and reverence at the commissioning service held at a local church. Perhaps they didn’t realize it, but this was a crucial time for building a key component of volunteer service at CAP: community. Volunteers reside in one of the five volunteer houses as a family. Creating community with strangers can be one of the most transformational aspects of the volunteer experience. Living in intentional community develops life-long relationship-building skills and sets CAP apart from other volunteer programs.
Kathryn Branham, from Floyd County, Kentucky. “I just graduated from college and I am leaving my family for this. I look forward to the community becoming like family.” But forging a community is not easy or simple. Current and previous volunteers share important communitybuilding practices from their CAP experience. BE INTENTIONAL It takes intentionality and time to build relationships. Volunteers share a meal and devotions four nights a week, a time which is a cornerstone of life in community. Everyone is expected to participate. “Some of my best times here have been sitting down together for supper and devotional time in the evenings,” said Kathleen Krause, a retiree who has lived in Johnson House since last fall. “We are all so different, yet come together as one.”
“Community living was an important factor in my decision to volunteer with CAP,” said new volunteer Another way volunteers connect is through group activities. Volunteers list hiking and exploring nearby communities as favorite bonding outings. “I have enjoyed this new adventure and doing things I wouldn’t have “I appreciated the spiritual of doing by myself,” said Carolyn Klaesges, a exposure at a transitional time.” thought young adult volunteer who has lived in Johnson House since January. She is particularly looking forward to a JENNY KING planned zip line outing with housemates. 10
christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive | FALL / WINTER 2019
