For a quarter of a century, a group of Christian campers age 13 and up have been putting their strength to work for families in need.

Carolina Cross Connection has returned to the High Country for another summer of service, and they have a mission to accomplish. The members spend their camp time going out into the communities to perform such home repair services as yard work, light construction including building wheelchair ramps and porches, steps, porch roofs and floors, installing insulation, washing windows, cleaning houses, underpinning mobile homes, and all sorts of odd jobs.

Those helped by Carolina Cross Connection campers include the elderly, disabled, poverty-stricken families and those on a fixed income who cannot afford, or cannot perform, these services themselves. The campers do not discriminate based on age, health, race, or religion, but serve those in need.

Briana McLeod is camp director this year. She said the camp at West Wilkes Middle School averages 80 campers each week, 10-12 work groups, for four weeks between June 17 to Aug. 5.

“We are extremely excited to be here, so if you know of needs for someone's home, we can help,” said McLeod. “We try to meet a lot of different needs and help families who can't help themselves or don't have time because of work or caring for someone.”

McLeod said the group relies on community support to get the word out and to help the campers find people in the community they can help. The individuals helped provide the materials if they can, she said, but are not obligated to do so.

The campers are not able to perform plumbing, masonry, electrical work, major roof repair, or other major home renovations, although they may be able to find people to help with these needs.

“We send a group out to do the work, and also provide social and spiritual connections,” McLeod said. “We enjoy the interaction with new people and we learn a lot from older people.”

McLeod said there are a lot of returning campers as well as new campers each year.

“We work hard to bring in new churches and we come from all over,” she said, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, Washington, D.C., basically all over the east coast.

To find out more about Carolina Cross Connection and provide information about people in the Ashe County community who could benefit from their services, call 336-467-1862, email ccc@carolinacrossconnection.org. The remaining work weeks this summer include July 1-7, July 15-24 and July 29-Aug. 5.