The seventh St. David's Volunteer Work Camp – a multiple celebration to commemorate 15 years of dedication and faith – was located on the island of Badija, east of the island of Korcula, Croatia.

In 1949, the communist government of Yugoslavia confiscated the XIVth century Franciscan monastery and school located on the island. They gave the Franciscans two weeks to vacate the property. For 55 years, the monastery and island were used as a military complex and later a sports center. In October 2004, the current democratic government returned the island and monastery back to its rightful owners, the Franciscans. Many ambitious plans are in the works for the facility. One such plan is to utilize a section of the monastery during the summer months to host a program for orphans and underprivileged children from Bosnia-Herzegovina. After many years of abuse and neglect, the monastery complex was certainly in need of our Work Camp team.

The Work Camp began with the gathering of volunteers in Dubrovnik, Croatia. From Dubrovnik, the group was transported by private motor coach to the port of Orebic and then by boat to the island. For six days the group worked, shared, and lived in the XIVth century Franciscan monastery. During the second week, we traveled to Medjugorje for a five-night stay.

A major highlight of the trip was the celebration of Fr. John Anthony Boughton's ordination. Fr. John is an original founder of St. David's and gave many years of service during the war. Fr. John celebrated daily Mass during the work camp.