Welcome…
We are so grateful for your team’s willingness to come and partner with us.
You are joining a long history of literally thousands of people who have been a part of making Victory Bible Camp a place where people can come and connect with God, His creation and fellowship with believers. For decades, we have watched Work Teams become a perfect way to use your gifts and abilities for the work God is doing in the lives of the children and young people in Alaska.
Since your team is visiting from outside Alaska, we want to make sure that you also get a taste of what the Last Frontier has to offer. In between work projects, your team will be have the opportunity to head out to go explore the nearby Matanuska Glacier, go on many amazing local hikes, canoe, kayak fish or boat on one of our two lakes, or simply soak in the beauty of our location surrounded by majestic mountains, especially Victory Peak. Your team will definitely experience Alaska at every turn.
VBC Mission Statement: Victory Bible Camp exists to disciple and evangelize children, youth and adults in Alaska for Jesus Christ through Christian camping
Projects
The majority of our work is remodeling and repair work, but occasionally there are small or large building projects. People are also needed for auto-servicing, food service, office administration and guest services (housekeeping). Anyone can help if they come with a willing attitude. Most of the projects are physical, so team members need to be willing and able to spend a full day on their feet.
Project Length Options (See Supplemental Details)
7 Days (Saturday to Saturday)
14 Days (Saturday to Saturday)
Typical 14-day Trip Schedule (adaptable for shorter trips)
- Day 1: (Saturday) Fly into Anchorage (ANC). Drive to VBC and get settled and oriented.
- Day 2: Church in the morning then Free Time. Camp Orientation and Tour.
- Day 3-7: Work Days (see Typical Work Say Schedule below)
- Day 8-9: (Sat-Sun) Free Time to explore Alaska!
- Day 10-13: Work Days (see schedule)
- Day 13 Last Alaskan Adventure
- Day 14: Fly out of Anchorage (go to tourist areas if time is available)
Typical Work Day
- 8:00 am – Group Devotions
- 8:30 am – Breakfast
- 9:30 am – Project Assignments
- 12:30 pm – Lunch
- 1:30 pm – Project Assignments
- 6:00 pm – Supper
- 7:00 pm – Free time to explore VBC and Alaska! (see Adventure Ideas listed below)
Work Team Member Application Application Form
This link will take you to our online application where you will be asked to set up a password. Please fill out all questions that apply and then click on “submit”.
Please have each Team Member fill out the application for Victory Ministry (VBC) records. There are important legal questions on the application that we must have in order to allow adults to intermix with campers onsite. This will help us in our planning so we can be ready for each team.
Background Check:
Anyone over 18 years old needs a background check done in the past two years. If these have been done by your church or organization please fill out the form below. Any team member who has not had a background check done will be contacted by VBC to have this completed.
Background Screening Form
Costs
We do not charge Work Teams.
While we do not charge work teams to come we do encourage a donation. The suggested donation amount is $200 per person per week.
We have already budgeted for your project. The materials and tools will be ready when your team arrives. Any fundraising you could do for this project prior to your mission trip through your church or other organizations (sponsors) would be helpful. Some teams have purchased tools for a specific project and donated them for VBC staff future use.
Requirements
Construction Experienced Member(s):
We encourage each Team to bring at least one experienced construction leader (Contractor) for their team. More than one experienced person would be even more helpful depending on the size and scope of the project assigned to your Team.
Housing & Bedding:
Work Team Housing will be in one of our Lakeside Lodges. VBC will provide bedding for all Work Team members..
Transportation to Alaska:
Each Work Team will be responsible for getting to the Anchorage Airport.
Transportation in State:
VBC will provide transportation for your team to and from the Anchorage Airport. Van(s) may be available for work team use for no charge if visiting Alaska attractions within 25 miles. Over 25 miles the work team is responsible for fuel and a .25 / mile maintenance fee. Drivers of VBC vans must be over 25 years old and show proof of a clean driving record (easily done online).
Alaskan Adventure
- VBC On-Site
- Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboats
- 1-2 evenings at Waterfront (Blob, and other lake features)
- One evening boating with VBC Program Staff boat driver
- Fishing on Shallow lake – Fishing License Required – These can be purchased online
- Hike to an amazing Fossil Site 45 min- 1 hour (Moderate Hike)
- Hiking to beautiful views on Tipi Ridge 30-45 min (Easy to Moderate Hike)
- Horse Trail Rides may be arranged depending on how much the horses had been used during the week of campers. ($20.00 per person fee)
- Participating with Summer Camp program such as Cookouts and camper Chapel sessions
Free Time
- Off-Site
- $ Matanuska Glacier (20 minutes away) 3-4 hour guided tour for 30.00 per person
- Canoeing on Long Lake and Bonnie Lake
- Hike Lions Head 1 hour + (Moderate to Hard Hike)
- $1 day Fishing License ($25) 3 Day Fishing License ($45)
- This is required for fishing on any lake in Alaska including VBC’s two lakes.
- Musk Ox Farm or Reindeer Farm (50 minutes away) $11 per person.
- Seward, AK trip 4-5 hours away from camp (215 miles).
- Valdez, AK Trip 4-5 hours away from camp (214 miles)
- Denali, AK Trip 6-7 hours away from camp (252 miles)
- Fairbanks, AK Trip 7-8 hours (342 miles thru Glennallen) Lodging may be available at Camp Li-Wa.
- Complete Alaskan “loop” can be done in two 6-8 hour traveling days (700+ miles), but you will see A LOT of Alaska!!!
- ATV Rentals, Helicopter Rides, Ziplines
What is the camp schedule
The general summer camper schedule can be found at here.
What information do you need about the individual team members?
Every member needs to fill out the online volunteer application. For the form please select “Vbc Work Team” and for position “Work Team Member”
(Application Form) The sooner we know who is coming and their skill sets, the more time we have to plan the right projects. Please also verify with VBC that a background check has been done for each team member, as well..
Do all team members have to stay for 2 weeks?
o. Of course, we want you to stay for 2 weeks, but as long as your group leaders stay the entire time, we can work around other schedules. Keeping as many people here as possible for two weeks saves on project training and allows jobs to be completed by the person / Team who started them. The Saturday to Saturday flight schedule needs to be followed.
I can save $200 on a flight by rescheduling. Is Victory flexible on arrival/departure dates?
Yes, we are flexible to an extent. Team arrival day is Saturday so that you can all get your bearings before jumping in to the work week on Monday and it saves on training time. Departure days are important because of other teams arriving and preparing facilities for them. Please keep in mind that it is a 4-hour round-trip drive from camp to the airport, and the group leader is responsible for coordinating pick-ups and drop-offs.
Do I have to pay for food/housing?
No. These things are supplied by VBC. Overall donations for housing, food and projects are appreciated to help cover expenses.
What will our housing look like?
Here are the Schematics!
Can I bring an RV?
Yes! We usually have plenty of RV spots with water, power and septic hookups.
When will you need Team Member individual skill information
Work Team Skill Information Form is helpful 4 weeks before arrival. Work Team Skill Information Form.
If you are coming in June or July we would like your completed applications be May 1st.
Remember, the sooner we know who is coming and their skill sets, the more time we have to plan the right project.
What will I be working on?
Typical work at VBC is facility construction, remodelling projects, repairs and differed maintenance. Unfortunately, we don’t always have all the details in place before you come. Rain, emergencies, and scheduling can all play a part. We will pass on the projects to your team leader as soon as we nail them down.
I already did a background check through work/church. Can I forward you the results?
The team leader is responsible to filling out the following form any anyone that has already ad a background check within the last two years.
Background Screening Form
Can I drink alcohol while at Victory?
No, Victory Staff and Volunteers are not allowed to drink alcohol on campus. We would also like you to consider the effect you may have if one of our campers or summer staffers sees you drinking at a local restaurant during the weekend. We have very good water from the spring.
Can I smoke or use chew tobacco products at Victory?
No, Victory Staff and Volunteers are not allowed to use tobacco products while on campus. If you have any questions, please run them through your team leader. Exceptions may be made in rare cases.
Can I smoke legal marijuana or use Illegal drugs at camp.
No. You are probably applying for the wrong camp.
I have a wild past. Should I bother with applying?
Yes! Even if you have a criminal record, we believe that God changes lives. We confidentially review your record with your Group Leader (need to know only) to see if it contains anything that will prevent you from volunteering here. We may ask for additional character references.
I don’t have any of the skills on your list. Will my application be denied?
No. If you are willing to serve/learn, then we can use you. 99.99% of the short term volunteer projects are at least as physical as painting and involve walking and standing for most of the day.
Will I be working with kids?
Since we do extensive training for working with campers, we use the same summer staff for the entire camp season. If you can commit a whole summer and want to work with kids, check out this link. Otherwise, you will see campers and counselors in action during your time here, but you will have limited interaction.
How can I know more about the camp and what they are doing:
First check out our website: http://www.vbcalaska.org/ Once you are here, we can help you attend some of the chapels and campfires to see what the kids are learning.
What tools do I need to bring?
We supply everything to get the projects done. Work gloves and boots are a good idea because we probably won’t have your type/size. If you would like, there are other things that seem to be always in demand: Paintbrushes, tape measures, carpenter pencils, and other small perishable items..
What clothes should I pack?
Layers that you can work/paint in. It may rain, it may be sunny and 70 degrees. An extra pair of shoes is nice in case one set needs to dry.
Do I need to ship my large firearm up there to protect myself from bears?
No. 99% of the local critters are more afraid of you than you are of them. Typically, our staff is aware of any problem animals and will keep you informed. Keep your distance and learn the warning signs of an irritated animal.
Are there laundry facilities available?
Yes, you will have access to free laundry facilities.
How much cash should I bring for weekends?
You don’t “need” any money for VBC. $150 bucks should cover most of the popular local attractions (flying, glacier and a couple of local restaurants).Feel free to spend it all at our gift shop where the profits benefit the camp. The Camp Gift shop has a coffee bar café, snacks, VBC ”Stuff” and Alaskan specialty items.
Do I need my Bible?
Yes! We exist to bring people closer to their Creator. That includes you, and your team will have plenty of time to spend with that very book. Work Teams will meet each morning for a devotion time.