“What we've found at Deerfoot, with staff and with campers, is that we go on these hikes and do these activities that are shoulder to shoulder and we build relationships that way. The same thing happens on a work weekend. You're hauling logs with a guy and suddenly you know his life story and you're praying for him and sharing time together... It's a phenomenal time of growth for everybody.”
Jon Redeker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR7nkzCz03o
A ministry that is building God’s Kingdom
“Through these years, work weekends have become just a richer and richer experience. We realized that this wasn't just getting work done. This was a tremendous ministry. A life-building, god-centered ministry for the people who came. You come together and we're friends. You work together, eat together, and you laugh together and you pray together and you sing.”
Chuck GeiserDEERFOOT ADK'S FIRST FULL-TIME DIRECTOR
“Deerfoot has become a really special place to our family. We've been here for probably 10 work weekends or more. It's just unlike any other place I've ever been. It's a place where I really do see that we're building godly men and I can say now that I'm a part of that.”
Kim Cook
Work Weekends
Each year, volunteers from across the country participate in work weekends at Deerfoot. Deerfoot hosts volunteer work-weekends at both camps every Columbus Day & Memorial Day Weekend. These work weekends are for adult volunteers who love the ministry of Deerfoot Lodge. Scroll below to learn more about work weekends. Successful Work Weekend volunteers come with an attitude to serve and desire to work hard. The food is fantastic, the setting pristine, the fellowship is sweet, and the work will send you home tired! Trade experts and volunteers with skills are always needed, but there is plenty to do for the most ‘skill-deficient’ person who is willing to work.
In addition to ten hour work days, work weekenders fellowship together around the Lord’s Table on Sunday a.m. This is a special time of communion together as we remember the death and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. For many, the time around the Table at DL is a treasured moment and a highlight of the weekend. Accommodations are rustic at both camp sites. In most of the living areas of the camps, there is no electricity or running water. Bring a sleeping bag, warm clothing, and a working flashlight! Because of the nature of work around camp, children and pets are not invited (with few exceptions that are pre-approved by Chief Craig or Chief Nick). Work Weekend registration will open approximately 6 weeks before the event.
September 2020 Update: We’re disappointed to announce that Fall Work Weekend at both camps, normally scheduled for Columbus Day Weekend, is canceled this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
While Deerfoot rarely employs volunteers during summer programs, volunteers in other ways are what make this ministry thrive. Every year, volunteers welcome Deerfooters into their homes for regional information events and alumni gatherings. Others help to recruit godly men to work on staff, and still others build inroads for Deerfoot staff to speak at churches or schools to spread the word about what God is doing at camp. To learn how you can help, contact us below.
