The American teenager can be fairly elusive in the summer months. Rarely spotted before noon, they may be seen at sports camps, in shopping malls, or flipping burgers at seasonal jobs. It’s unusual to see them out and about at 7 a.m. let alone 50 of them…painting, raking, cleaning, singing, cooking and caring.

Every year during the first week of August, St. Luke Lutheran Church holds In His Service, a week-long volunteering boot camp of sorts that gives teenagers grades 6-12 the chance to give back to their community, and have a great time in the process.

Although many of the youth had participated in out-of town mission trips to New Orleans and Mexicali, In His Service was inspired by the need to get kids involved in their own backyard.

“We look for organizations or people in need who don’t always have the volunteers or funding necessary to implement their projects.” said Lynn Corker, In His Service coordinator. “You would be amazed how much a few teams of teenagers can accomplish.”

Camping out in the church, the teens got up early every day, ate some breakfast and headed out to a day filled with service. With temperatures in the high eighties last week the jobs were hard and sweaty - but they couldn’t wait to get started.

“They really get it,” said Corker. “We are blessed to be a blessing. These kids are giving up a week of their summer just to help others.”

Working with local non-profits including Habitat for Humanity, Hope Clinic, Huron Woods, Camp Take Notice, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the teens were able to do a variety of tasks and learn about people they may not meet otherwise.

Lindsey Clements (14) and Joel Anderson (13) were part of the team that visited Bortz Nursing Home in Ypsilanti. They were paired with an elderly couple to make vases, play Bingo and chat.

“I’ve never really been in a nursing home before,” said Clements. “I was so sad to see so many lonely people. They were so grateful that we were there. I don’t want to wait a whole year to go back; you really just don’t know how much time they have left.” “One resident wanted me to pray for her,” said Anderson. “I was taken aback, she was like 70 years older than me - I almost wanted her to pray for me! She was so faithful, it was really one of the most profound experiences I have ever had.”

Despite the intense schedule, Corker makes sure the kids have a decent amount of fun added to the mix. In the evenings they eat dinner and get to do activities like Rolling Hills Water Park, Ypsi-Arbor Bowling, bonfires or a talent show. The kids are also encouraged to build each other up by creating Paper Plate Awards, paper plate “plaques” that commend their peers on silly and serious accomplishments for the week.

“I feel so blessed that they get so much out of it.” said Corker. “I can’t wait to see what next year has in store!”

Carly Parker is the Communications Coordinator for St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. St. Luke is a multi-site community which includes St. Luke-Ann Arbor, Living Water and University Lutheran Chapel. Go to www.stlukeaa.org to read more.