History
Memphis Workcamp was supported by several churches of Christ in the Memphis area. Buster Clemens served as the primary director through the majority of years it existed. Other local youth ministers served in various roles to make Workcamp happen each year, including some who continued to help despite changing roles and moving out of town. Ann Srnka was a key to its success through the years, making sure every worker was fed each night through donations by various restaurants.
Memphis Workcamp began in 1989 when Germantown youth minister Mark McVey brought the idea from Oklahoma City. Mark McVey, Charlie Hester (Goodman Oaks), Farland Clark (White Station), and John Pitman (Union Avenue) did most of the work that first year. The Coleman Avenue Church served as the home base, and the church of Christ at White Station hosted the evening assemblies. The first year saw 125 workers paint 25 houses. Workcamp was moved to Highland Church of Christ in 1990 and remained there until 2006. Workcamp was hosted by the Church of Christ at White Station from 2007-2022.
For thirty-three years, teenagers and adults got together every summer to paint and restore 876 houses in Memphis, Tennessee. Our hope and prayer is that these houses that have been painted through the years will shine as additional reminders of God's goodness in our community and the adults and students involved through the years will continue to serve God by serving people their entire lives, wherever they find themselves.
Memphis Workcamp began in 1989 when Germantown youth minister Mark McVey brought the idea from Oklahoma City. Mark McVey, Charlie Hester (Goodman Oaks), Farland Clark (White Station), and John Pitman (Union Avenue) did most of the work that first year. The Coleman Avenue Church served as the home base, and the church of Christ at White Station hosted the evening assemblies. The first year saw 125 workers paint 25 houses. Workcamp was moved to Highland Church of Christ in 1990 and remained there until 2006. Workcamp was hosted by the Church of Christ at White Station from 2007-2022.
For thirty-three years, teenagers and adults got together every summer to paint and restore 876 houses in Memphis, Tennessee. Our hope and prayer is that these houses that have been painted through the years will shine as additional reminders of God's goodness in our community and the adults and students involved through the years will continue to serve God by serving people their entire lives, wherever they find themselves.
