Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have by phone, 504-242-2636, or email, info@camprestore.org.
What kind of service projects will we do?
At Camp Restore, we believe that the best volunteer is one who is able to use their unique skills and abilities to serve others.
With this in mind, we work to provide volunteer groups with a wide array of opportunities for service throughout the New Orleans area. Our volunteer coordinators work with group leaders to determine what types of projects are a good fit for their groups’ unique skills and interests. Our service projects fall into two broad categories, construction and community projects.
Construction often involves installing insulation, hanging drywall, mudding and sanding, cabinet installation and painting.
Community projects encompass a wide spectrum of service, in partnership with over 80 local nonprofit organizations. Types of work include restoring parks, cemeteries and historical sites to visiting nursing homes, youth centers and homeless shelters, and assembling backpacks for the needy. We’ve even sent hundreds of volunteers to plant tens of thousands of trees to restore our protective marshland!
What does it cost to stay at Camp Restore?
We ask that groups pay $35 per volunteer per night, which enables us to provide housing, meals and project coordination and support. To find out more about our rates and seasons, click here. Our volunteers are also our biggest donors – you make Camp Restore possible!
What are your age requirements?
We work with volunteer groups of all ages. If you are bringing a group that includes younger children (12 and under), we ask that parents or designated guardians be present with a 1-1 adult-child ratio.
Is transportation provided?
We ask that volunteer groups provide their own ground transportation to and from worksites.
What type of housing is provided?
Camp Restore’s volunteer accommodations are housed in a 16,000 square-foot former school building. Air-conditioned, dormitory-style housing, complete with bunk beds with twin-size mattresses and hot showers are provided. (Please bring your own pillows, bedding, towels, wash cloths, toiletries, flashlight, and alarm clock.)
What options are available for Internet access?
We have free Wifi access throughout the camp.
What do I need to bring with me?
In addition to basic toiletries you’d bring on any trip, the most important things to remember are:
- work clothes you aren’t afraid to get dirty
- a pillow
- sheets and/or a sleeping bag for your bunk bed
- and a towel.
We provide group leaders with a comprehensive list of supplies to bring as part of the registration process. You do not need to bring tools, though we continue to accept tool donations.
Where is the nearest drugstore?
There is a Walgreens approximately two miles away at the intersection of Crowder and Lake Forest west of Camp. Take Chef Menteur (Hwy 90) west to Crowder, take a right, and continue to Lake Forest.
Where is the nearest grocery store?
Winn-Dixie is located approximately a quarter-mile east of Camp on Chef Menteur (Hwy 90).
Where is the nearest medical facility?
East After Hours Urgent Care is located at 5640 Read Blvd less than a mile from Camp Restore. Take Bundy Rd. to Lake Forest, take a right, then take a right at Read. Tulane University Hospital is about 8½ miles from Camp.
Where is Camp Restore located?
Camp Restore is housed on the campus of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and School in New Orleans East, at 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70127.
What if we’re not Lutheran?
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and beliefs who are comfortable working alongside us and share in our mission to restore faith, home and community in New Orleans. Thousands of volunteers from diverse backgrounds and beliefs have joined us in this good work. We respect the personal beliefs of all of our volunteers and ask volunteers to show that same respect toward one another.
Where can I lead devotion/worship/prayer for my group?
If individual volunteer groups would like to hold their own devotions or times for reflection, there are multiple open areas, lounges, and rooms to do so around camp. The dining-hall/sanctuary is also available in the evening, but we ask that groups sign up and reserve specific time slots to ensure as many groups are able to make use of it as possible.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, the site host and partner of Camp Restore, holds worship services on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. All volunteers are welcome.
