LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING

We are glad to receive teams of all ages. In our experience intergenerational teams
are best. Although a United Methodist Mission Agency, we receive teams from all faith
groups. Advanced planning and preparation for your trip will help insure a good experience
for your group. We have several unique opportunities for Volunteer service. We feel
an important part of our ministry is interpreting the culture of the Houmas people to
volunteers. In addition to carpenters, plumbers, painters and electricians, we need
kind persons. The number one quality we admire in "Volunteer in Mission" teams
is flexibility; second is willingness to serve where we need service the most.

Groups with children are required to have ratio of one (1) adult for four (4) children
or youth. When you are assigned a project that involves working with or teaching local
children, we request that all youth be at least 3 years older than the youth they will
be working with.

Each group is responsible for their own evening programs. Someone from our staff will
gladly provide evening informational programs upon request. Groups need to be
self-contained, providing leadership and project supervision.

ACTIVITIES

We offer the traditional "Volunteer in Mission" experiences with houses to paint
and fix up. We also have other projects that provide variety for your experience.

      1.  Clanton Chapel United Methodist Church Christian Pre-School is open
           four (4) days a week; volunteers are welcome.

      2.  Day Camp or Vacation Bible School provides fun, education and
           recreation for the children.

      3.  Our computer lab is now open. We need technical skilled volunteers
            to teach local people computer skills.

      4.  Brunson Library is operated solely by volunteers, so help is always appreciated.

      5.  Trained teachers in adult literacy are needed to improve the educational
            level of the local people.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT WORK ASSIGNMENTS

Advanced information about the projects you'll be doing is limited. It is difficult
to predict how fast or slow work will progress during the year. Please be patient
with us. Flexibility is the key to a successful experience. Groups are required
to check with staff prior to making changes in assigned work or in purchasing supplies.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

V.I.M. groups will have access to a phone. After normal business hours, groups can
be reached by calling (985) 563-2272. All out-going calls should be either local,
collect, or made with a credit card.

WORSHIP

A truly rich part of your "Volunteer in Mission" would be to worship with us.
On Sunday morning, Clanton Chapel UMC has worship at 9:30 a.m. Services on
the 2nd Sunday of the month are usually in French. Groups are encouraged to
have daily devotions. Space is available for this important party of your stay.

HOUSING AND FINANCIAL INFO

Volunteers are housed in large mobile unites that are bunkrooms. One is for females
and the other is for males. Each has twin-sized bunks with mattresses - some
innerspring and others air. Sheets pillows and cases and quilts are provided.
You must bring your own towels and personal items. Each has a restroom, 3 shower
stalls and laundry equipment and is centrally air-conditioned.

Meals are in a kitchen/dining unit. Each team must prepare their own breakfast
and lunch from food provided. The evening meal is prepared for you. If you need
soft drinks and snacks there is space to put them. The public water supply is
entirely safe and leaves no after-taste.

The cost for housing and meals is $17.50 per person each day you are occupying
the facility. A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a time for
your team. The balance of your financial commitment is due during your stay
with us. Our calendar fills quickly, so we suggest that you plan your trip
several months in advance and contact us early in order to get the date you want.

A gift to the mission for supplies is $40.00 per person or $10.00 a day.
We accept teams year round, including holidays.

INSURANCE

Volunteers in Mission teams are responsible for having their own insurance.
A medical release for all members is important for those under the age of 18.
Insurance may be obtained from your conference office. All team members
must sign a waiver of liability and anyone under 18 must have that waiver
signed by a parent or guardian. The waivers must be given to center personnel
upon arrival. Click here to obtain a copy of the form online.

WHAT TO BRING

Work clothes are needed for re-hab and painting. Thick sole shoes are required
for work projects. Modest casual apparel is recommended for worship, social
and other activities. Each person should bring a water bottle to take on work
projects. Musical instruments that travel well are always enjoyed. Recreational
equipment, cards, and games help fill relaxation times.

For work projects, someone who knows what abilities your team has should speak
to one of us at the Center about tools to bring.

LOCAL INFORMATION

Winter months are mild and semi-tropical. It seldom freezes. In the summer
it is hot and humid. It may be necessary to schedule work times for early
morning and late afternoon.

We encourage persons who may want to volunteer for an extended time to
contact us. We can accommodate some with housing and we have access to RV
and trailer hook-ups and dump station.

There are swamp tours and other local sites of interest for those who
might want to visit. Brochures are available. South Louisiana is
famous and many guests enjoy the restaurants.

SUPPORT

The Dulac Community Center is funded by individual and church gifts,
grants and also by the General Board of Global Ministries.