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United Methodist Action Reach-Out Mission by Youth (U.M.ARMY)

Our Mission

To provide Christ centered quality work camps that serve people in need and promote spiritual growth and leadership in youth.

What is United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth?

United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth (U.M.ARMY) is an opportunity for youth and adults to experience Christian growth through service to others. Participants combine their strengths to meet home repair and maintenance needs for those unable to pay for the work, or who cannot do the work for themselves. One of our founding principals is that real and life changing mission work can take place close to home. We are committed to putting our resources to work in local communities.

Our Camps

United Methodist churches host the mission camps for one week each summer. Because we are housed in local churches our participant fees are affordable. Yet we are able to able to provide substantial outreach within the community. Participants eat, sleep, enjoy fun evening programs and worship together each day. They are divided into work teams of four to six youth with adult support for the week's work. U.M.ARMY youth and adults work together to provide construction and repair on access ramps, porches, windows, handrails, roofs, ceilings, steps and other areas in need. They also paint and do yard work. Clients are referred through local social service, community and church organizations. Jobs are selected and completed based on greatest need.

Work Philosophy

Preparation, safety and teamwork are priorities for all camp participants. Adults are trained prior to camp and all participants attend a pre-camp tool and safety training. Our camps provide meaningful opportunities for Christians to put their faith to work. Participants realize the power of God’s love as they provide practical assistance to their neighbors. Through challenging experiences, young people learn what it means to serve others.

Click here for more information about U.M. ARMY – Northeast

Quotes from 2009 Campers:

RJ G. (Yorktown UMC) – “I liked touching the lives of our clients and the spiritual connection with God.”

Andrea P. (Yorktown UMC) – “UM ARMY is such an amazing experience because it allows teens to take a break from their summer vacations and spend a week working together and spreading God’s love through action and mission. Not only is this experience morally enriching, but we always walk away from it with dozens of life-long friends that share one common thing: Love for God that will last forever.”

JR D. (Wethersfield UMC) – “What I liked about UM ARMY was the rewarding feeling you get when you know you’ve made a difference for someone.”

Jenna W. (Torrington UMC) – “UM ARMY is a week full of spiritual movements and making awesome friends. The rewarding feeling of helping others and receiving nothing in return is most fulfilling. I am so grateful to be able to take part in this life-altering experience.”

Tomie S. (Yorktown UMC) – “The amazing people that all worked together for our clients made camp awesome. All the clients at client night were so grateful for everything and anything we did. It was the most rewarding experience I ever had.”

Stephanie P. (Yorktown UMC) – “When we got there, everyone greeted us with open arms and smiling faces.”

Kristen G. (Yorktown UMC) – “UM Army is a truly amazing experience. This year my team built a handicap wheelchair ramp. It was really difficult, but by the end of it, we were all so emotional when she came down that ramp. I felt so touched to be a part of this blessed experience.”

Eric B. – “UM ARMY was an amazing experience because you can’t ever plan for how rewarding making a difference in another person’s life actually is. It was great to come together as a body of kids who were all willing to help people in need.”