About SWAT

How Did the SWAT Team Get Started?In 2001 this ministry was created Jim Stewart and Lynn and Steve Blakeman. The ministry was based on the idea that there are small churches, Christian Camps and para-Church ministries with facilities and grounds in need of repair, remodeling and upgrading, and that there are people who have a desire to give of their time, talents and tools to help such ministries. Subsequently, the name of “Servants With A Tool” was chosen and the nickname of the “SWAT Team” was adopted.
How is SWAT Funded?Servants With A Tool, Inc. is a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. We are totally dependent upon donations to meet our expenses. Since the SWAT Team is currently an all-volunteer ministry, expenses are kept to a minimum.
Who leads the SWAT Team?The Board of Directors: 

  • Steve Blakeman, President
  • Jim Stewart, Vice President
  • Lynn Blakeman, Secretary/Treasurer
  • Bill Tafel, Hank Lovell
What is the Purpose of the SWAT Team?The SWAT Team has evolved into a ministry that focuses on Christian Campgrounds; helping them fulfill their mission of evangelizing the lost and providing facilities for individuals to draw closer to Jesus Christ. This is done by holding weekend events where families and individuals (all volunteers) come together at a Camp for the purpose of providing free labor to build, repair, improve and beautify the facilities and grounds of the Camp.

Who Volunteers for SWAT?

The SWAT Team is an all-volunteer ministry. To date several hundred people have attended the more than 150 events that have been held since 2001. Persons of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. Some members are highly skilled in specific trades, while others are inexperienced in the construction field but willing to learn. The majority of volunteers live in North Carolina. While there is no official “membership” required, we refer to those who have participated as “members.”

Who Does SWAT Serve?

Since 2005 The SWAT Team has focused on serving Christian Campgrounds. These sites have lodging and dining facilities readily available for the members who attend the events, at no expense to the participants. Subsequently we have developed close relationships with several such camps.

Where Does SWAT Serve?

Most SWAT events are “local”, meaning they are weekend events within 1-5 hours of most attending members.

How Often Does SWAT Serve?

Typically eight weekend events are held between February and November each year. We typically work all day on Friday and Saturday and return home on Sunday afternoon. The yearly schedule is established at the beginning of each year distributed to all members and interested persons so they can determine the events that fit their schedules well in advance.

How Can You Serve?

The SWAT Team offers a variety of “serving opportunities.” Each event has its own unique set of opportunities which may include building construction, remodeling, demolition, painting, electrical, plumbing, roofing, landscaping, cooking, nursing, and encouraging.

Are Tools and Construction Experience Required?

No, all you need is a servant’s heart. Members typically bring tools they have that relate to scheduled work projects. When we head out from the breakfast table to get started for the day, the diversity of members becomes evident. Some grab multiple toolboxes from their pickup trucks, but others simply grab a couple tools from the front pocket of their suitcase and a paint-covered T-shirt. Skill level in the building trades is not a prerequisite for becoming a part of the SWAT Team. We recognize that God has uniquely gifted each person and we find a place of service for everyone.

Can the Entire Family Participate?

Absolutely! From the very beginning, the SWAT Team has been “family oriented”. This is a characteristic that makes this ministry unique. Parents are encouraged to bring the entire family and allow their children to be involved in the work projects on site. It has been said that the SWAT Team spans the age range of “Diapers to Depends”.
Events typically include such a wide variety of projects that participants of all ages and skill levels are able to get involved and contribute to the goals of the event. There are usually service activities for everyone, regardless of age or ability level.

Does a SWAT Event Cost Anything?

Typically, the only expense for attendees is the cost of travel to and from the Camps. The Camps provide meals and lodging for the Team as no cost.  Members who own an RV or camper are welcome to bring them.

Want to Join?

If you are interested in serving with us, simply contact us with your E-mail address and contact information. We will add you to our E-mail list. This will allow you to be informed of upcoming events and receive our monthly Bulletins that give the details of up-coming events.