AUBURN – The Senior High Youth Group of Auburn United Methodist Church will participate in a mission event in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, in July 2004. Three chaperones with seven high school and junior high school youth from the church will attend the event, planned by a national organization, Group Workcamps.

Youths going on the trip are Allie Sasser, Tim Cullen, Robbie Little, Kate McLaughlin, Lindsey Visbaras, Christie Sasser and Patrick Ames. The chaperones are Cindy Visbaras and Bobby and Jeanie Sasser.

Group Workcamps has been operating for 25 years. It is a Christian, nondenominational organization. The purpose is to grow the faith of young people and adult leaders through unforgettable Christian service mission opportunities.

The local youth will be involved in painting, minor home and roof repairs in homes in Gurabo. They will work with youth from many denominations.

The youth group, under the leadership of Visbaras, has participated in local and state mission work over the last two to three years. Members decided they would like to expand the work beyond Maine and began planning for this trip in the fall 2003. The youth have been doing fund-raising activities for the past six months.

The senior high group asked local businesses to donate money, merchandise or gift certificates in support of the mission trip. The merchandise and gift certificates will be used in an auction at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the church on Park Avenue. The public is invited to attend the auction and a supper for $5.