Date & Time
About This Event
Capuchin Appalachian Mission (CAM) 2026
A Catholic Experience of Faith, Service, and Community
Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in joining the Capuchin Appalachian Mission (CAM) 2026—a transformative week of faith, service, and Gospel living.
Rooted in the Catholic tradition and the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, CAM invites rising 10th graders through adults to bring Christ’s love to life through hands-on service, prayer, and community. Every participant is called to dedicate themselves to the whole journey: preparation, fundraising, prayer, service, reflection, and community life.
Please read this letter carefully as you prayerfully discern whether you are being called to this mission.
Important Dates
Mission: Saturday, July 18–Sunday, July 26, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Completed applications, including immunization records, Companions in Mission forms, and either full payment or a $125 deposit.
*Orientation: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:30 am-3:00 pm at Capuchin Family Ministries (CFM), 781 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524
*Prep-work days: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 4pm - 8pm or Thursday, May 7, 2026, 4pm - 8pm at CFM. Together we’ll sort donated clothing and books, prepare materials for Vacation Bible School, share a meal, and pray as we continue to form our CAM 2026 faith community.
*participation is required
Our Catholic Mission
The Capuchin Appalachian Mission is not just a service trip—it’s a living encounter with Christ through the experience of Gospel community and service to and with the people of Harlan, Kentucky.
Inspired by the Gospel call to love our neighbor and the Church’s social teaching on human dignity and solidarity, we serve families in need, share faith, and build authentic community rooted in prayer and centered on the Eucharist.
Each day begins and ends with communal prayer, Scripture, and reflection, inviting us to recognize Christ in every person we meet and every task we complete. Daily Mass and evening theological reflection help participants to grow in discipleship and deepen their Catholic identity.
What to Expect
This is a mission of simplicity, sacrifice, and joy. It will stretch your body, mind, and spirit and fill your heart.
- Accommodations: Simple and communal. Teens sleep in same-gender shared spaces (sleeping bags/air mattresses on the floor). Adults are in single-gender shared rooms.
- Meals: Simple, nourishing, and eaten together as a family of faith.
- Showers: Choose between a lake dip or a cold hose rinse—part of our spirit of simplicity!
- Daily Schedule: Early mornings, long days of service, and evening programs that include prayer, music, reflection, and fun community time until about 11:00 p.m.
- Ministry: Home repair, children’s ministry, senior ministry, preparing meals, and community outreach, all guided by the Catholic values of compassion, dignity, and solidarity.
Those with ongoing medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before applying. The local hospital has limited capacity. In the event of an emergency, we will ensure care and family communication. If further care is needed, we will coordinate with the family to arrange transportation home.
The Heart of the Mission
CAM challenges participants to live the Gospel through self-giving love.
You will:
- Encounter Christ in those you serve and those who serve beside you.
- Deepen your prayer life and understanding of our Catholic faith in action.
- Experience the joy of living simply and serving generously.
- Build lifelong friendships rooted in shared faith.
Many who have gone on CAM describe it as a time of conversion and renewal—a week that awakens gratitude, strengthens faith, and calls them to ongoing service in their parish and community.
Adult participants are mentors and witnesses of our faith to youth. For this reason, they must be practicing Catholics who demonstrate leadership, prayer, and service in the Franciscan tradition.
Applying to CAM
Acceptance is prayerfully discerned to form a balanced, faith-filled community. Participants must minimally be 15 years old or rising 10th graders.
Selection is based on:
- Space and housing capacity
- Skills, ministry gifts, and readiness for mission life
- Past participation/involvement in orientation, work days, and fundraising.
If not selected, your full fee or deposit will be refunded.
All fields on the application must be completed (enter “N/A” where necessary). You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is received.
Finances and Fundraising
- Participant Fee: $300 (helps offset program expenses; the total cost per person is about $750).
- The remaining balance and funds for our service are raised through Companions in Mission (CIM)—your personal fundraising outreach.
- Each participant must send at least 12 sponsorship requests to family, friends, and parish community members.
This effort isn’t just about money, it also invites others to join your mission through their prayers and support.
If finances are a concern, please contact us. No one is ever turned away because of financial hardship.
A Call to Mission and Discipleship
To join CAM is to answer Christ’s call: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
If accepted, be ready to:
- Work hard and serve joyfully.
- Live simply and rely on community.
- Participate in prayer, reflection, and the Sacraments.
- Grow in gratitude, humility, and love for God’s people.
The Capuchin Appalachian Mission is more than a trip, it’s a Catholic community on fire with the Holy Spirit. We can’t wait to see how Christ will work in and through you.
Please send completed materials (including insurance card and CIM form) to:
📧 myannitelli@capuchin.org
Adults must also complete Safe Environment Training (Virtus), and those planning to help with driving must submit a copy of their Driver’s License.
Questions? Contact myannitelli@capuchin.org
May the peace of Christ and the blessings of St. Francis be with you,
Fr. Erik Lenhart, OFM Cap.
Chaplain, Capuchin Appalachian Mission
Important: Participation is limited to 65 total participants, so apply early!
About This Event
Capuchin Appalachian Mission (CAM) 2026
A Catholic Experience of Faith, Service, and Community
Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in joining the Capuchin Appalachian Mission (CAM) 2026—a transformative week of faith, service, and Gospel living.
Rooted in the Catholic tradition and the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, CAM invites rising 10th graders through adults to bring Christ’s love to life through hands-on service, prayer, and community. Every participant is called to dedicate themselves to the whole journey: preparation, fundraising, prayer, service, reflection, and community life.
Please read this letter carefully as you prayerfully discern whether you are being called to this mission.
Important Dates
Mission: Saturday, July 18–Sunday, July 26, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Completed applications, including immunization records, Companions in Mission forms, and either full payment or a $125 deposit.
*Orientation: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:30 am-3:00 pm at Capuchin Family Ministries (CFM), 781 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524
*Prep-work days: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 4pm - 8pm or Thursday, May 7, 2026, 4pm - 8pm at CFM. Together we’ll sort donated clothing and books, prepare materials for Vacation Bible School, share a meal, and pray as we continue to form our CAM 2026 faith community.
*participation is required
Our Catholic Mission
The Capuchin Appalachian Mission is not just a service trip—it’s a living encounter with Christ through the experience of Gospel community and service to and with the people of Harlan, Kentucky.
Inspired by the Gospel call to love our neighbor and the Church’s social teaching on human dignity and solidarity, we serve families in need, share faith, and build authentic community rooted in prayer and centered on the Eucharist.
Each day begins and ends with communal prayer, Scripture, and reflection, inviting us to recognize Christ in every person we meet and every task we complete. Daily Mass and evening theological reflection help participants to grow in discipleship and deepen their Catholic identity.
What to Expect
This is a mission of simplicity, sacrifice, and joy. It will stretch your body, mind, and spirit and fill your heart.
- Accommodations: Simple and communal. Teens sleep in same-gender shared spaces (sleeping bags/air mattresses on the floor). Adults are in single-gender shared rooms.
- Meals: Simple, nourishing, and eaten together as a family of faith.
- Showers: Choose between a lake dip or a cold hose rinse—part of our spirit of simplicity!
- Daily Schedule: Early mornings, long days of service, and evening programs that include prayer, music, reflection, and fun community time until about 11:00 p.m.
- Ministry: Home repair, children’s ministry, senior ministry, preparing meals, and community outreach, all guided by the Catholic values of compassion, dignity, and solidarity.
Those with ongoing medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before applying. The local hospital has limited capacity. In the event of an emergency, we will ensure care and family communication. If further care is needed, we will coordinate with the family to arrange transportation home.
The Heart of the Mission
CAM challenges participants to live the Gospel through self-giving love.
You will:
- Encounter Christ in those you serve and those who serve beside you.
- Deepen your prayer life and understanding of our Catholic faith in action.
- Experience the joy of living simply and serving generously.
- Build lifelong friendships rooted in shared faith.
Many who have gone on CAM describe it as a time of conversion and renewal—a week that awakens gratitude, strengthens faith, and calls them to ongoing service in their parish and community.
Adult participants are mentors and witnesses of our faith to youth. For this reason, they must be practicing Catholics who demonstrate leadership, prayer, and service in the Franciscan tradition.
Applying to CAM
Acceptance is prayerfully discerned to form a balanced, faith-filled community. Participants must minimally be 15 years old or rising 10th graders.
Selection is based on:
- Space and housing capacity
- Skills, ministry gifts, and readiness for mission life
- Past participation/involvement in orientation, work days, and fundraising.
If not selected, your full fee or deposit will be refunded.
All fields on the application must be completed (enter “N/A” where necessary). You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is received.
Finances and Fundraising
- Participant Fee: $300 (helps offset program expenses; the total cost per person is about $750).
- The remaining balance and funds for our service are raised through Companions in Mission (CIM)—your personal fundraising outreach.
- Each participant must send at least 12 sponsorship requests to family, friends, and parish community members.
This effort isn’t just about money, it also invites others to join your mission through their prayers and support.
If finances are a concern, please contact us. No one is ever turned away because of financial hardship.
A Call to Mission and Discipleship
To join CAM is to answer Christ’s call: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
If accepted, be ready to:
- Work hard and serve joyfully.
- Live simply and rely on community.
- Participate in prayer, reflection, and the Sacraments.
- Grow in gratitude, humility, and love for God’s people.
The Capuchin Appalachian Mission is more than a trip, it’s a Catholic community on fire with the Holy Spirit. We can’t wait to see how Christ will work in and through you.
Please send completed materials (including insurance card and CIM form) to:
📧 myannitelli@capuchin.org
Adults must also complete Safe Environment Training (Virtus), and those planning to help with driving must submit a copy of their Driver’s License.
Questions? Contact myannitelli@capuchin.org
May the peace of Christ and the blessings of St. Francis be with you,
Fr. Erik Lenhart, OFM Cap.
Chaplain, Capuchin Appalachian Mission
Important: Participation is limited to 65 total participants, so apply early!