The annual Group Workcamp home repair project got into full swing this week when over 250 young people from across the country set up camp at Case High School with the single goal of helping strangers.
Sue Jensen is just one of dozens of local homeowners chosen to be part of this year's project, and she couldn't be more thrilled.
"It's fantastic having these kids here," she said. "I am thrilled to death."
The group of 10 who worked at Jensen's house come from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and Texas. Together, they took down Jensen's old retaining wall and built her a new one.
To prove the sturdiness of their handiwork, several members jumped to the top tie and danced on it. Many admitted they enjoyed being together so much they looked for additional tasks Jensen may have needed done.
"We probably could have been done yesterday but we didn't want to be split up," said Jacob McLaughlin, 18, of Shelby Township, MI.
Only three or four were in Racine for their first trip. The veteran volunteers said they have formed strong bonds that continue over the years.
Annie Viard, 18, of Houston, TX, said the friendships and feeling of family doesn't end when they go home.
"We form our own kind of family really fast on these trips," she said. "It's nice to know that people you may have just met will do anything for you."
The Workcamp is hosted by Neighborhood Watch and supported by SC Johnson, The City of Racine and the Racine Unified School District.
"I'm glad this will be in the news," Jensen told Patch. "We need to let people know the good things our young people are doing."
The Workcamp week wraps up Friday with a farewell ceremony in the gym at Case.
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