Typical Schedule

Each group’s itinerary is designed based on the day and time of arrival and the length of the stay.

Day 1 (Sunday):

Welcome to Denver! The Urban Education Coordinator will meet you at your host church for orientation to the Urban Education Program and to review the week’s itinerary, tour the host church, and give a briefing on the issues of poverty and homelessness in Denver.

Day 2, 3, 4, and 5:

7:00 am - Rise and Shine, it is time to work! Groups will volunteer at any of the 20+ local nonprofits partners. Groups larger that 10 will be split into different work teams during the day and require separate transportation. Usually, what one group does one day, another group will do later. This way all participants get similar experiences.

8:30 am – Arrive at the worksites. Traveling directions, worksite expectations, and contact information are provided by the Urban Education Manager. Worksites include, but are not limited to: preparing and serving meals for the homeless; sorting and packing donations in a food bank; building or improving low-income housing; painting homes, nurturing and tending gardens and working with children of economically disadvantaged families, individuals with disabilities and the elderly.

12:00 pm - Lunchtime! Urban Education groups should expect to bring their own sack lunches to the worksites with them. Then it is back to work!

4:00-7:00 pm - Relaxation time! A couple of the afternoons may be set aside for educational activities such as a Downtown Walking Tour or the Game of Life. Other afternoons are free, allowing time to explore the city of Denver, take a nap or shower. This is a great time for groups to discuss their experiences in Denver and reflect on the bigger social issues.

7:30 pm - One evening will be devoted to a discussion with someone who has experienced homelessness first hand. Other evenings your group might choose to plan activities: eat dinner at a local ethnic restaurant, head to the mountains, enjoy a Rockies game, shop at the 16th Street Mall, or schedule the Denver Hunger Meal. Information is available for possible evening and free-day activities.

9:30 pm - Bed Time! After all the adventures of the day, your group may gather for evening devotions. This is a great time to reflect on what the impact of serving is having on your personal and spiritual lives.

Day 6 (Friday):

Free Day! Get out and explore all Denver and Colorado have to offer! Not all groups take a free day and other groups prefer to schedule a free day during the week. Whatever you choose, make sure you inform the Urban Education Manager of your plans.

Day 7 (Saturday):

Groups clean the church and depart for home. Don’t forget to schedule a time to return any resources to DenUM or your contact at the host church