alaskaagriculturecorps2019
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Alaska Hww Agriculture Corps

At Gateway to the Arctic Camp (G2Arctic), we believe that one day, we will live in a world where people of all abilities can live meaningful lives. We invite you to become part of our mission to change our community and ultimately the world. The 2019 Alaska HOPE worldwide Agriculture Corps will the first time we are hosting Agriculture Corps during birch production season at Gateway to the Arctic Camp (video below) near Talkeetna, AK.
 
Gateway to the Arctic Camp is a service-oriented, agricultural camp that teaches its participants about the significance of serving those in need and the value of hard work.Gateway to the Arctic operates year-round. Participants have fun while learning about sustainability, farming processes, and stewardship of the earth. Gateway to the Arctic Camp provides a variety of programing including sessions for special needs youth and adults. During the summer months participants learn about agriculture and become equipped with knowledge necessary to raise and harvest crops. During the spring months we focus on making birch syrup. Participants will learn the process of making birch syrup (G2Arctic Birch Tapping). That includes tapping birch trees to collect sap, boiling down the sap with our wood fired sap evaporator, and bottling the finished product. Also, ongoing mentorship during our camps helps participants develop strong character and life skills, including responsibility for one’s work, pride in one’s accomplishments, service to those less fortunate, and strong work ethic. The benefits are priceless, and the possibilities are endless. 

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The mission of Gateway to the Arctic Camp is to create meaningful employment opportunities and summer camp programs that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skill development. The two main components of Gateway to the Arctic Camp are inclusive employment and camp programs. G2Arctic employs those with special abilities (we prefer to use the term “special abilities” rather than disabilities) and teaches them sustainable agriculture, carpentry, responsible living, and effective leadership. Our camp programs revolve around the same principles as our inclusive employment. 

The Alaska Agriculture Corps will be an 8-day long experience in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.During the week, Agriculture Corps participants will work alongside those with intellectual and physical special abilities. Working alongside those with special abilities you will tap birch trees, collect birch sap, and participate in the process of boiling down the sap to syrup. Collecting birch sap is physically challenging work but it also rewarding. You will get to take home your own bottle of birch syrup that you helped produce. Participants will be trained to use the necessary tools involved in the birch syrup production process. Participants will also be trained how to positively interact with people who have special abilities. Expect hands-on, physically challenging, and dirty days. Participants will also will facilitate team building activities throughout the week for the workers with special abilities.

Alaska HACs are unlike any other Volunteer Corps. If you prefer traditional devotionals and d-groups then this is not the right Volunteer Corps for you. If you need a more structured environment then please consider another Hww program that offers more structure. Throughout the Agriculture Corps, you will learn to connect to God in completely new, out-of-the-box ways. Since we show our members how to connect with God in new and powerful ways, expect traditional Volunteer Corps components (devotionals, d-groups, etc.) to be presented in different ways than what you may be used to. We don’t do traditional devotionals and d-groups. With guidance, we place high expectations on each participant to take ownership of their own faith. Be prepared to be stretched in your faith like you never have been before. Jesus spent most of his time serving so we will also spend most of our time serving. Expect to serve 8 hours a day. In order to facilitate this connection to God, we have also made it our policy to disconnect from technology. So, all Volunteer Corps members will have limited access to their phones and technology throughout their time at the Gateway to the Arctic Camp. Time will be allotted for phone calls home, etc., but it will be limited. That way, we can focus on serving and connecting with God. 
Weather in Alaska can be extreme and during springtime you can experience all the seasons in one week. One day it could be snowing, the next bright and sunny. During this Agriculture Corps we expect to have at least 1-2 feet of snow still on the ground. Temperatures could reach down to the teens and as high as 60 degrees.  

Lastly, no Volunteer Corps is complete without the opportunity to explore. Our Volunteer Corps members will have the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful places in the world. There is potential to explore the town of Talkeetna and hike a mountain!

So, if you’re looking to build your faith in new and exciting ways, and you want see firsthand how service can impact your life and the lives of those you serve, then join us in Alaska for Agriculture Corps 2019.


Dates: April 14-21, 2019
Price (in US dollars): $835 plus flights

Deadline for registration and payment: March 25, 2019
Audience: Anyone over the age of 15

Apply Today!

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