WHAT IS A COLONIA?

The development of Texas colonias dates back to the 1950s.  Using agriculturally worthless land, developers created unincorporated subdivisions with little or no infrastructure.  Housing is primarily constructed by residents using discarded wood, cardboard or other materials - usually lacking electricity, plumbing and other basic amenities.

WHO IS BUCKNER?

For more than 135 years, Buckner International (www.buckner.org) has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry.  In 2002, Buckner International began to provide innovative programming to support vulnerable children and families living in poverty in the colonias along the Texas/Mexico border (www.buckner.org/rio-grande-valley/).

2024 IS OUR ELEVENTH YEAR

It is our eleventh year working with Buckner International in the Penitas Colonia. Each year, beginning in 2011, over 230 Woodlawn regulars have joined one of the teams to use their gifts and abilities to impact the Penitas Colonia. This is your year to be a part of the Colonia Work Project!

WHO CAN GO?

This summer’s mission project, June 8-14, is open to adults, families with children, college-age adults, and high school students who have completed the 9th grade. Children/Students younger than 9th grade will serve on the Humanitarian Aid Team with one of their parents.

Work Project Teams

• Building Team

• Sewing Team

• Adult Readiness Team (ESL)

• Transportation Team

• Humanitarian Aid Team

• Kids Camp Team 

HOUSING

Colonia Work Project team members will be housed at the Valley Baptist Retreat Center (https://www.valleybaptistretreat.org/). There are a limited number of private rooms available for families with children.  

Mission Trip Meetings (Mandatory)

• Sunday, March 3rd at 12:15pm in Fellowship Center with lunch provided

• Sunday, May 5th at 12:15pm in Fellowship Center with lunch provided

• Individual teams will schedule additional meetings as needed.

Lead Camp is for students who are looking for a Bible intensive, deeper weekend retreat to focus on their relationship with Christ and to focus on their mission field when they get home. This is not intended for all students, but for those who are wanting to lead in their youth group and their community at their schools and in their home.

The purpose of Lead Camp is to inspire and equip Christian students. Students will have the opportunity to meet other students from across Texas while being in in-depth leadership training through four worship experiences, five small group sessions, and experiential challenge courses. It is our desire to develop in each student strong and lasting leadership skills that will enable them to lead with intentionality and purpose in their church, school community, and around the world for Jesus Christ. If you are interested in attending, sign up and Russell will have a One-on-One visit to approve your attendance.

• Speaker: Zach Randles, Robert White, and Chris Seay

• Band: Stephen and Rachel Patterson

• Cost: $165

All students who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grades by May 2024 are invited to join Middle School VBS. There will be Bible study groups and recreation Monday thru Thursday from 9:00am-12:00pm. If your student attends all week they earn a free ticket to Six Flags Fiesta Texas on Friday, July 19. Friday the students will leave Woodlawn at 9am and return by 10:00pm. Click the button below or text “MSVBS” to 512-777-2944!

*If you student is not able to attend all week but would like to attend on Friday there will be a cost for the ticket. For any questions email russell@woodlawnbc.org. 

Zephyr Kids Camp is 4 days of excitement and non-stop fun. We have a block rotation schedule that allows you the most time at as many activities as we can fit into the day. The Zephyr staff takes great pride in making sure that your completed third through sixth grade students have an awesome time here, while learning truth from God’s Word at the same time. Each night has a dynamic worship time followed by some wild and crazy special events…fireworks, games and fun! The camp theme for this year is Jesus The ROCK.

Camp Zephyr is in Sandia, Texas about 3 hours Southwest of Austin.

Cost for Preteen Camp is $250 per camper.

There are 35 spots available for camp on a first come first serve basis. You must register and pay the $60 deposit by Sunday, March 24 to guarantee your preteen’s spot.

If your preteen would like to fundraise towards their camp balance, there are 2 opportunities. One opportunity will take place over Spring Break with the Flamingo Explosion and the second opportunity will be selling Mother’s Day Corsages starting on Easter Sunday (March 31). If you would like to participate, please email me at stephanie@woodlawnbc.org.

Registration:

To register, text PC2024 to 512.777.2944 or click the button below.