Salkehatchie regional gatherings slated for January, February

By Jessica Brodie

Servant-hearted teens and adults will have the chance to gather this winter for Salkehatchie regional gatherings.

The gatherings are designed to help people get excited about the summer’s upcoming service camps to repair and rebuild homes for people in need across South Carolina.

The first Salkehatchie regional gathering was held Nov. 11 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Conway, and four more are scheduled this winter:

• Midlands: Saturday, Jan. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mount Hebron UMC, West Columbia

• Rock Hill area: Saturday, Feb. 3, from 12-5 p.m. at St. John’s UMC, Fort Mill         

• Piedmont/Greenville area: Sunday, Feb. 4, from 1-6 p.m. (location to be announced)

• Greenwood area: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St Mark’s River Street Campus, Greenwood

All are welcome to attend, both those who have participated in a Salkehatchie camp in the past as well as those who never have but are interested in doing so. No registration is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring a friend.

Gatherings will explore Salkehatchie’s future plans, time to share meaningful or fun Salkehatchie stories, breakout sessions with camp directors and assistant camp directors about sites and other planning needs for the upcoming year, praise and worship.

Volunteer opportunities are also available at each gathering to help with setup or takedown, as well as help with worship and facilitating break-out sessions.

Founded in 1978 by the Rev. John Culp, Salkehatchie Summer Service brings youth, young adult and adult volunteers together for a weeklong home repair mission event. Over the years, hundreds of homes have received new roofs, ramps, flooring, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens and improvements in accessibility thanks to Salkehatchie.

Summer 2023 saw 920 Salkehatchie volunteers participate in camps that ran from June 10 through July 29, ultimately repairing more than 80 homes for families in need.

For 2024, 37 Salkehatchie camps are planned.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, and all adult volunteers must do a background check. Cost is $250 per volunteer and covers the cost of shingles, building supplies and other materials. Lodging and meals are included. Campers are accepted from all denominations and geographic locations.

For more information: [email protected], 803-691-6606, or visit https://salkehatchie.org.