North Carolina july 2026

RMHS Habitat for Humanity Club & Annual Service Trip to Winston-Salem, NC

Join Us in Making a Difference!

The RMHS Habitat for Humanity Club is proud to announce our annual service trip to Winston-Salem, NC. This life-changing experience combines meaningful volunteer work with exciting cultural and recreational activities. The first RMHS to Winston-Salem, NC trip was in 2007.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Habitat for Humanity provides low-cost, high-quality housing for families in need worldwide. Families contribute "sweat equity" by working on their own or others' homes. Volunteers like us make home ownership possible through hands-on efforts alongside trained professionals and AmeriCorps volunteers.

Eligibility: Students must be 16+ by July 11, 2026 and active Habitat for Humanity Club members.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY JULY 12-18 2026 CHAPERONES

Jess Theriault

RMHS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CLUB ADVISOR

DANIELLA SPEZIALE

RMHS TEACHER

SKI CLUB ADVISOR

Jenna glazier

RMHS TEACHER

trip overview

Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Dates: Sunday, July 12 - Saturday, July 18, 2026

Cost: $900 per student (May decrease with fundraising.)

Payment Schedule (Checks payable to Town of Reading):

1st payment: $100 and permission slips due Friday, February 7, 2025.
2nd payment: $200 and complete airline info form and provide copy of ID, Friday, March 7, 2025.
3rd payment: $200 and Habitat Minor Volunteer Waiver due, Friday, April 9, 2025.
4th payment: $200 and t-shirt sizes and dietary restrictions for lodge due, Friday, May 9, 2025.
5th payment: $200 due Monday, June 2, 2025.

accommodations

Stay at: Jimmy Johnson Volunteer Lodge Address: 1023 W. 14th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

The H4H Forsyth Lodge offers a comfortable and convenient stay, complete with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Upstairs, two bedroom wings feature dorm-style XL bunk beds with mattresses, along with shared showers and bathrooms.

Downstairs, guests will find a cozy living room, a spacious dining area, a fully equipped large kitchen, and laundry facilities. A large porch provides a relaxing outdoor space, while the fenced and locked campus includes a garden with a gazebo, a basketball net, lawn games, and more. (Scroll all the way down for pictures and a description.)

For the duration of the week, RMHS will be the only group staying at the Lodge, ensuring a private and focused experience.

Meals that are provided:

Breakfast: Cereal, milk, breakfast bars, bread, peanut butter, and jelly available each morning.

Lunch: Deli sandwiches and chips delivered to the lodge during the lunch break (Monday–Friday).

Dinner: Prepared by community volunteers and delivered to the lodge (Monday–Thursday).

FLIGHT INFORMATION

FLIGHT ITINERARY AMERICAN AIRLINES

Please Note: Families are responsible for transportation to the airport. The meeting time/terminal is 3:30 a.m. Terminal B. We are scheduled to depart B7 and our plane is on time as of 10:25 a.m. on 7/12/25.

All passengers need to take all items on the plane. We do not have space for checked luggage in the three vans.
Anyone wanting TSA pre-check can call American Airlines at 1-800-221-2255
- Group Travel Reference #: 574773
- Group Name: READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
- PNR #: IJLQHL or #: LYZDAN.
- You will need to give them the TSA number and passenger name.

DEPART FLIGHT

Saturday, July 12, 2026

Boston, MA to Charlotte, NC

Nonstop . Travel time:

Flight Departure Date Time Terminal Arrival Time Cabin

TBD Logan Intl, Boston (BOS) 12 Jul 25 TBD TBD Charlotte Douglas, Intl, NC (CLT) TBD Economy

Boeing 737-800 Passenger

RETURN FLIGHT

Saturday, July 18, 2025

Charlotte, NC to Boston, MA

Nonstop . Travel time:

Flight Departure Date Time Terminal Arrival Time Cabin

TBD Charlotte Douglas, Intl, NC (CLT) 18 Jul 25 TBD TBD Logan Intl, Boston (BOS) TBD Economy

Boeing 737-800 Passenger

TSA: Please read the TSA Security Screening information as everyone will be taking carry-on only. No checked-bags on this trip.

1 personal item and 1 carry-on (click for more information)

Personal items

Your personal item like a backpack or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).

Carry-on items

You can bring only one carry-on item along with your personal item. Your carry-on must fit in in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, it will need to be checked (We don't have room in the vans for this). Be sure all your carry-on items are labeled in case they are checked. Some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions.

Carry-on bag

The total size of your carry-on, including the handles and wheels, cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches
(56 x 36 x 23 cm) and must fit in the sizer at the airport.

Soft-sided garment bag

Your soft-sided garment bag cannot exceed 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height).

suggested packing list (no checked bags)

CONSTRUCTION NEEDS

Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Work gloves (can be purchased at Home Depot/Lowes - all other equipment is provided on construction site)
Water bottle labeled with your name

CLOTHING

Athletic outfits suitable for working outside in 80+ degree weather on construction site. We will get very sweaty/dirty! There is free laundry at the lodge – we suggest bringing 2 or 3 work outfits and washing them mid-week.
Casual clothing for after work
Light rain jacket/hoodie
Pajamas/undergarments
Swimsuit
2 pairs of sneakers/close-toed shoes for worksite
Casual footwear (crocs, sandals, etc) for after workday.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Prescription medications - pack these in your carry on!!! (Chaperones also must be aware of prescriptions before we go).

Pillow, sheets, and blanket for XL twin bed, (use compression bags to save space in luggage!!) OR sleeping bag.
Shower towel(s), shower shoes (recommended)
Travel size toiletries (or you can wait & buy small toiletries at Target, Aldi, or Dollar Tree)
Phone & charger (and headphones, if desired).
Spending money (for lunch/dinner on travel days, souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
Other necessary personal items, as needed.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING

Large electronics, laptops, or tablets (we are not responsible for lost or stolen items) - Ms. Theriault will have her work laptop that anyone can use if needed.
Non-essential food items - we will make several Target/Aldi/Dollar Tree/Publix runs during the week. It’s easier and cheaper to buy things there!
Your own tools
Other valuables

Questions on the suggested packing list please contact Ms. Theriault, Advisor or Jason Walsh, President.

spending money

Most meals during the trip are provided, but students will need to purchase food on a few occasions:

Travel Day: On Sunday (7/12), students should plan to buy breakfast/lunch during our stop en route to the lodge in NC. We may stop at Bojangles: 725 US-29, China Grove, NC 28023
Travel Day: On Saturday (7/18), lunch will need to be purchased at the Charlotte (CLT) airport on the way home.
Sunday (7/12): Students will need to purchase dinner at Camel City BBQ Factory. Students should budget about $20 for this meal.
Friday (7/17): Students will need to purchase lunch and dinner on Friday.
Saturday (7/18): Breakfast is provided, but students should plan for lunch either on the road or at the CLT airport. The lodge fridge needs to be cleaned so packing a lunch is the best idea.

If anyone needs assistance covering meal expenses, please don’t hesitate to reach out—Ms. Theriault is happy to help!

OTHER POSSIBLE EXPENSES

Students may want to bring cash or a card to cover optional purchases, including:

Personal items – Snacks, drinks, or necessities from stores like Target, Aldi, or Dollar Tree (costs will vary).
Recreation & souvenirs – While many activities in Winston-Salem are free, some optional experiences (desserts, clothes, souvenirs, or paid attractions) may have a cost.

Bringing a small amount of spending money ensures students can participate in any extra activities or purchases they choose!

transportation

We will be renting three minivans from National Car located right at the airport.

5489 R C JOSH BIRMINGHAM PKWY

CHARLOTTE NC 28214-3230 US

Airport Van Assignments (just for the ride from the airport):

Theriault:

Speziale:

Glazier:

Airport Van Assignments (just for the ride to the airport):

Theriault:

Speziale:

Glazier:

Habitat Veterans*

work site details

In cases of inclement weather, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms, we have assisted at Forsyth County Habitat ReStores and warehouses instead.

POTENTIAL TASKS

Light construction, painting, vinyl siding, and framing
Installing cabinets, flooring, tubs, sinks, doors, and windows
Landscaping and laying basement foundations

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

- All work is conducted under the supervised guidance of trained Habitat for Humanity professionals and AmeriCorps volunteers.
- Professionals are always present to assist and provide direction.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

- Participants under 18 are prohibited from using power tools.
- Climbing on scaffolding or roofs higher than one story is not allowed for anyone under 18.

PROTECTIVE GEAR

- Provided by Habitat: Hard hats and goggles.
- Required from Participants: Bring your own work gloves.

TEAMWORK

Always work in pairs or groups to ensure accountability and quick assistance if needed.

WORKPLACE HAZARDS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Be aware of tools, materials, and construction debris in your surroundings.
Follow all instructions carefully when handling tools or performing tasks.
Maintain three points of contact when using scaffolding.
Hardhats are required at all times on-site.
Weather conditions are usually very hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. We will get very dirty/muddy on the worksites so it's strongly encouraged to bring/wear items you don't mind getting ruined. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and stay hydrated. Seek shade or shelter during extreme heat or inclement weather.

Emergency procedures

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Report any injuries, no matter how minor, to a chaperone or site supervisor immediately.
First aid kits are available on-site.
Emergency contact information and protocols will be provided before departure.

By adhering to these safety protocols, you help ensure a rewarding and secure experience for yourself and your fellow Habitat club members! If you have any questions, please reach out to your advisor, Ms. Theriault, or the on-site supervisor.

Hospital: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center: 1 Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem (two miles from Lodge)

Pharmacies: CVS, 606 Coliseum Drive 336-727-8680 and 24-hr Walgreens 2125 Cloverdale Avenue 336-723-0561

Field Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday

Throughout the week, our group of 24 volunteers will be divided into two teams of 12 each day. One team will serve at a Habitat for Humanity construction site, while the other rotates through various impactful community service opportunities in Winston-Salem. These include volunteering at Senior Services’ Williams Adult Day Center, assisting at the Harvest Food Bank, or working alongside Habitat’s Director of Procurement.

This structure ensures that everyone gets the chance to engage in both Habitat’s core mission of homebuilding and the broader network of organizations dedicated to improving lives in the local community.

Each evening, we will determine the next day’s assignments based on factors such as the weather, how everyone is feeling physically and mentally, and individual preferences. Every day, 12 volunteers will be on the build site, while the other 12 will support community partners through meaningful service work.

below is the 2025 trip - details will be updated as we get closer to july 2026

Sunday - july 13: Travel day

🕗 3:30 a.m.: Meet at Logan Airport for Amerian Airlines flight.

🕗 9:00 a.m.: Pick up vans at National and head to Bojangles in China Grove for lunch.

🕗 11:00-12:00: Arrive at lodge. Claim your bunks. Settle in.

🕗 1:30: Shopping trip to Target & Aldi.

🕗 4:30: Mast General Store followed by dinner at Camel City BBQ Factory.

monday - july 14: build site & williams center

Note: Option to swap teams mid-day so everyone gets on the buid site for the day

Team 1 – Habitat Build Site (Vinyl Siding at 1385 Free Street)

Speziale, Stevo, Anthony, Cam, Ben, Cole, Sam, Isla, Lilyana, Jack, Lucas, Jason

🕗 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Full-day construction at the Habitat build site

🍽️ 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Jimmy John's)

🕗 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Habitat build site. Depart for Lodge at 3:00 p.m. to reunite with Senior Services team.

Team 2 – Senior Services: Williams Adult Day Center, 114 W. 30th St, Suite 400 (Contact Tyler Smith) - Must take group photo for Debbie

Theriault, Natalie, Jackie, Ayla, Alex, Drew, Caitlyn, Steven, Leah, Charlie, Livi, Kai

🕘 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Volunteer at the Williams Center 114 W. 30th Street. Work: Talking and dancing with seniors, playing Nintendo Wi bowling with seniors, mulching, power washing, weeding, painting, scrubbing street signs.

🍽️ 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Jimmy John's)

🕘 12:45 - 3:30 p.m.: Volunteer Williams Center 2895 Shorefair Drive. Work: Construct a wooden accessibility ramp to a shed (guided by experienced Habitat volunteers), pressure washing, cleaning carts and mulching. Return to the Lodge around 3:30 p.m. to reunite with the build team.

After Work

🕘 3:45 Activities: YMCA, Lodge Relax Time, or Winston Waterworks Water Park, Target & Home Depot runs

🕘 6:00ish: Dinner at Lodge provided by Nancy: Grilled chicken, salad, either grilled or roasted potatoes, bread, & watermelon for dessert.

🕘 7:00: Chores, Walk, Games, Puzzling, and Highs & Lows

tuesday- july 15: build site & food bank

Note: Option to swap teams mid-day so everyone gets on the buid site for the day

Team 1 – Habitat Build Site (Vinyl Siding at 1385 Free Street)

Theriault, Alex, Ayla, Caitlyn, Charlie, Ben, Jackie, Kai, Leah, Natalie, Livi, Isla

🕗 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Full-day construction at the Habitat build site

🍽️ 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Chick-Fil-A)

🕗 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Habitat build site. Depart for Lodge at 3:00 p.m. to reunite with Senior Services team. (Add Jason & Jack)

Team 2 – 2nd Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive (Contact Collin Jewell)

Speziale, Stevo, Anthony, Cam, Cole, Steven, Jack, Jason, Lilyana, Lucas, Sam, Drew

All will need to fill out this form: https://www.secondharvestnwnc.org/volunteer-information-form (this is the same form for adults and minors, but adults will need to fill this out with anyone under 18).

🕘 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Volunteer at 2nd Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive (Contact Collin Jewell), assisting with food sorting and/or helping to prepare community meals.

🕘12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Chick-Fil-A)

🕘 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Volunteer at 2nd Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive (Contact Collin Jewell), assisting with food sorting and/or helping to prepare community meals. (Add Leah & Ayla)

Packed 480 boxes of food

🕘 5:30 ish Dinner at Lodge provided by Rebecca: Meat or Vegetable Lasagna, Texas Toast, Salad, Assorted Cakes & Muffins & Homemade Cookies.

🕘 7:00: Target/Home Depot Runs & Chores

Whole Group

🕘 3:45 Activities: YMCA, Lodge Relax Time, or Winston Waterworks Water Park.

🕘 6:00ish: Dinner at Lodge provided by Nancy: Grilled chicken, salad, either grilled or roasted potatoes, bread, & watermelon for dessert.

🕘 7:00: Target Run, Chores, Game Night, and Highs & Lows

wednesday- july 16: build siteS & procurement

Note: Everyone on a build site

Team 1 – Habitat Build Site (Vinyl Siding at 1385 Free Street)

Speziale, Stevo, Alex, Anthony, Catilyn, Cam, Jack, Livi, Steven, Cole, Jackie, Sam

🕗 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Full-day construction at the Habitat build site

🕗11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Jimmy John's)

🕗 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Habitat build site. Depart for Lodge at 3:00 p.m.

Team 2 – Director of Procurement, Vince Cannino 2380 Cloverdale Ave. (Loading pallets of pillows) & Habitat Build Site (Framing at 1904 East 18th Street).

Theriault, Ayla, Ben, Charlie, Drew, Isla, Jason, Kai, Leah, Lilyana, Lucas, Natalie

🕘 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.: Meet Vince Cannino at 2380 Cloverdale Avenue to load pallets of pillows.

🕘 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Camel City Coffee

🕗 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Construction at Habitat Build site

🍽️ 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Jimmy John's)

🕘 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Habitat build site. Depart for Lodge at 3:00 p.m.

🕘 Dinner at Lodge provided by Lillian: Mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert & homemade chicken pies and gravy we will need to thaw and bake.

Whole Group:

🕘 3:30 Activities: YMCA, Lodge Relax Time, Chores

🕘 5:30: Dinner at Lodge provided by Lillian: Mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert & homemade chicken pies and gravy we will need to thaw and bake.

🕘 7:00: Cornhole Tournament, Chill Nitro Creamery, Bookmarks Book Store, Monopoly, Highs and Lows

thursday- july 17: build site & food bank

Team 1 – Habitat Build Site (Vinyl Siding, etc. at 1385 Free Street)

Speziale/Stevo: Alex, Ben, Caitlyn, Cam, Jack, Jason, Lilyana, Lucas, Sam, Cole

🕗 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Full-day construction at the Habitat build site

🍽️ 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Chick Fil-A)

🕗 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Habitat build site. Depart for Lodge at 3:00 p.m. to reunite with Senior Services team.

Team 2 – 2nd Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive, Contact Collin Jewell (Community Food Preparation)

Theriault: Anthony, Ayla, Charlie, Steven, Drew, Isla, Jackie, Kai, Leah, Natalie, Livi

1,000 wraps made of provolone, turkey & pepperoni made by Theriault, Charlie, Steven, Drew, Livi, Drew, & Anthony
400 to go meals of mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, and pinto beans, 200 to go meals of beef, gravy & rice assembled by Ayla, Isla, Jackie, Kai, Leah, & Natalie

🕘 9:00 – 12:30 p.m.: Volunteer at 2nd Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive (Contact Collin Jewell), assisting with food sorting and/or helping to prepare community meals.

🍽️ 12:30 p.m.: Lunch back at the Lodge (Chick Fil-A)

🕘 12:30 - 3:00: Team 2 has free time to relax or choose an afternoon activity to enjoy together. (Theriault, Isla, Natalie swapping with Speziale, Alex, Caitlyn)

🕘 Dinner at Lodge provided by Habitat for Humanity: Pizza

Whole Group:

🕘 3:30 Activities: YMCA, Monopoly, Chores

🕘 5:30: Dinner at Lodge provided by Lillian: Mash

🕘 6:00: Krispy Kreme, Graylyn Castle, Monopoly

FRIDAY - JULY 18: free day

Friday is a flexible, unstructured day for rest, exploration, or fun as a group. We’ll decide together what activities to do based on interest.

🕘 9:00: Camel City Coffee

🕘 11:00: Pizza picnic at Reynolda Village Formal Gardens, hiking, and bookstore

🕘 1:00: Chores, Rest, Lodge Time

🕘 3:00: Urban Air Adventure Park

🕘 5:30: Chipotle for take out dinner

🕘 6:00: Chores, Lodge Clean

🕘 8:00: Musical Chairs

🕘 9:00: Just Dance Rocket Style

lodge chore schedule

🧼 MONDAY CHORES

Empty Dishwasher: Natalie, Olivia, Jason
Fill Dishwasher: Jackie, Isla, Lucas
Take out Trash & Recycling: Ayla, Caitlyn, Charlotte
Sweep Main Floors: Alexander, Steven, Kai
Clean Vans: Anthony, Lilyana, Sam
Clean Tables & Counters: Cameron, Leah, Jack
Clean Bathroom Sinks: Ben, Drew, Cole

🧼 TUESDAY CHORES

Empty Dishwasher: Jackie, Isla, Lucas
Fill Dishwasher: Ayla, Caitlyn, Charlotte
Take out Trash & Recycling: Alexander, Steven, Kai
Sweep Main Floors: Anthony, Lilyana, Sam
Clean Vans: Cameron, Leah, Jack
Clean Tables & Counters: Ben, Drew, Cole
Clean Bathroom Sinks: Natalie, Olivia, Jason

🧼 WEDNESDAY CHORES

Empty Dishwasher: Ayla, Caitlyn, Charlotte
Fill Dishwasher: Alexander, Steven, Kai
Take out Trash & Recycling: Anthony, Lilyana, Sam
Sweep Main Floors: Cameron, Leah, Jack
Clean Vans: Ben, Drew, Cole
Clean Tables & Counters: Natalie, Olivia, Jason
Clean Bathroom Sinks: Jackie, Isla, Lucas

🧼 THURSDAY CHORES

Empty Dishwasher: Alexander, Steven, Kai
Fill Dishwasher: Anthony, Lilyana, Sam
Take out Trash & Recycling: Cameron, Leah, Jack
Sweep Main Floors: Ben, Drew, Cole
Clean Vans: Natalie, Olivia, Jason
Clean Tables & Counters: Jackie, Isla, Lucas
Clean Bathroom Sinks: Ayla, Caitlyn, Charlotte

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

After a fulfilling day of work, we will relax and explore the local attractions:

Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Step back in time to explore the rich cultural history of the early South.
Reynolda Gardens: Wander through beautiful, century-old gardens and grounds.
The Graylyn Estate: Stroll the Graylyn estate, where winding paths lead past a fairytale-like castle, a gentle river, and groves of bamboo. Each turn reveals serene views and a landscape full of quiet beauty.
Winston Waterworks Water Park: Swim, slide, and float in this family-friendly park.
Mast General Store: 2 floors of shopping, open since 1883.
Krispy Kreme’s Original Location: Indulge in a sweet treat where it all began in 1937.
Camel City BBQ Factory: The new RMHS Habitat BBQ spot.
Chill Nitro Creamery: The very best, freshest ice cream experience.
Wake Forest University: We’ll drive through the picturesque Wake Forest University campus, a blend of historic charm and vibrant student life.
Winston-Salem Dash: High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, will be playing a home game at Truist Stadium on Friday, July 18th. According to their 2025 schedule, they are set to host the Greensboro Grasshopers at 6:30 with a fireworks show after the game. Tickets cost $14-$34.
Activities: Daily high/low, Just Dance, Musical Chairs, Limbo, Cards Against Humanity, Puzzling, Cornhole Tournament, Karaoke, Frisbee, Drive around previous Habitat build sites, etc.

why join?

Build teamwork, leadership, and construction skills
Gain valuable community service experience
Forge lifelong friendships and make unforgettable memories

NEXT STEPS

Deposits and forms due according to the payment schedule above)
Checks payable to: Town of Reading
Include “Habitat Summer Trip” in the memo line
Meetings: Stay tuned for updates on the May trip/packing meeting and ongoing ReStore volunteer dates and site build dates.
Family Zoom meeting will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

CONTACT US

Advisor: Jessica Theriault

Email: jessica.theriault@reading.k12.ma.us

Remind Group: Join @c9ddae for updates and information

Be part of the change! Join us for a week that truly makes a difference—because “One week can change a life.”

Page updated

Report abuse