Who are we?
BurkeChangers, a local missions movement of Burke County churches and ministry partners equipping students to share Jesus by loving our neighbors through hands‑on service.
We are a youth-focused missions day camp sponsored by the Catawba River Baptist Association (CRBA) in partnership with Foothills Service Project and the Burke County Youth Ministry (BCYM) network.
We unite middle and high school students, adult leaders, and local churches to “change Burke County” one home, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.
Our heartbeat is simple: equip students to share Jesus by serving practically, loving deeply, and shining the gospel right here at home.
Example:
A teenager who has never held a drill before shows up nervous on Monday, and by Wednesday they’ve helped build a ramp, prayed with a homeowner, and discovered that God can use their hands and story.
What do we do?
We host a four‑day mission week (June 7–10, 2026) with morning prayer and worship, day-time work crews, and evening gatherings like skating, block parties, and celebration services.
Student and adult crews build wheelchair ramps, do home repairs, painting, and clean‑up projects so homes in Burke County can be dry, safe, warm, and accessible.
We also host free community block parties across the county with food, games, inflatables, and giveaways to help churches connect with families and share the hope of Jesus.
How does BC provide opportunities for Spiritual Growth?
BurkeChangers weaves together the five key functions of the church —
Worship,
Discipleship,
Fellowship,
Ministry Service, and
Evangelistic Missions — all rolled into a ministry experience.
Each day intentionally offers opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement:
- Worship:
Gatherings take place Sunday and Wednesday evenings for corporate praise and teaching. - Discipleship:
Morning and lunchtime devotions help participants reflect and grow in faith. - Fellowship:
Monday evening brings a pizza celebration at the park, fostering connection among local youth. - Ministry Service:
Crews spend Monday through Wednesday on mission worksites throughout the county. - Evangelism:
On Tuesday night, community block parties provide fun, food, and gospel-centered outreach.
Who can participate?
Middle and high school students, along with adult leaders from local churches, ministries, or groups, can participate as part of a registered BurkeChangers partner group.
Adults of all skill levels are needed—both skilled construction workers and willing helpers—to supervise, encourage, and serve on work crews.
How much does it cost?
Each church/ministry/group pays a $100 non‑refundable group registration fee to cover administrative costs.
Each participant (student or adult) pays $50, due by the stated registration deadline (May 12 for 2026), which helps cover shirts, materials, and event costs.
What’s the schedule like?
Sunday evening: Kick‑off service with worship, gospel/evangelism training, crew introductions, t‑shirts, and a shared meal.
Monday–Wednesday: Mornings at CRBA for prayer and send‑off, work on sites through the afternoon, then evening activities such as pizza & hang out @ Park, county‑wide block parties, and a Wednesday night celebration service.
What kind of work will we do?
Crews typically build access ramps, do basic repairs, painting, and yard clean‑up projects on homes across Burke County.
Students also participate in prayer walking and personal conversations, learning how to share their faith as they serve.
How do we register our church or group?
Churches or groups register through the Church / Group Partnership & Payment Portal and by contacting the CRBA office at 828‑437‑0137 or the provided registration email.
Group leaders submit the church registration, collect the $50 participant fees, and turn in all required consent and background check forms to the CRBA office by the deadline.
What resources are available:
For churches, leaders, and groups, BurkeChangers offers practical tools to make participation easy and impactful.
Registration and event info
Church / Group Partnership & Payment Portal (group registration, dates, and cost details).
Schedule of events for the full BurkeChangers week, including worship services and block parties.
Forms and checklists
Youth Pastor / Church Participation Checklist.
Crew Roster Cover Sheet for all forms.
Student Participation Consent Form.
Adult Participation Consent & Background Check Confirmation Form.
Promo and media
Promo video download and older promo video link.
Clip art, logos, and graphics in the BurkeChangers Google Drive promo folder.
Photo upload links for each day of BurkeChangers to collect and share stories.
Help and partnership
Direct contact with CRBA (phone and email) for questions or registration.
Partnership connection with Foothills Service Project for ongoing ramp and home repair ministry beyond the event week.
What safety steps are in place?
Every adult participant must pass a background check through their participating church before serving.
Mandatory Crew Chief Training is held prior to BurkeChangers to prepare leaders for on‑site safety, job assignments, and project expectations.
How can individuals or businesses support BurkeChangers?
Anyone can donate financially through the “Make a Donation” section, noting “BurkeChangers” in the special instructions, or by mailing a check to the CRBA office.
Local businesses and partners can also provide meals, materials, supplies, or event support, helping us keep costs low so more students can participate.