GEORGETOWN, S.C. — While most people have been doing whatever they can to avoid the extreme heat this week, a group of teenagers are braving the dangerous temperatures making repairs and renovations on a dozen houses in Andrews.

About 160 teenagers and chaperones are taking part in the annual Salkehatchie Summer Camp, a program run by the United Methodist Church that brings together high school and college youths to work on housing for residents in need. It includes a Christian learning experience, with prayers before work, nighttime events and more.

Since Saturday, the teens from across the state have been scattered throughout Andrews working on houses in dire need of repair.

The owners of the homes are not financially able to repair them, said local camp director Flynn Morris.

As the heat index surpassed 110 degrees Monday, Jule Morris and Britt Pipkins were busy hammering away as renovations were made to the front porch on the North Poplar Street home belonging to Barbara Cumbee.

“They are fixing my floors and painting the outside. They are putting new shingles in place. They are doing such a wonderful job,” Cumbee said. “I know they are hot and I appreciate what they are doing.”

She said her mother, Emmy Grayson, left the house to her when she died 10 years ago but told her to make sure she took care of it.

“May God bless them all,” Cumbee said.

The teens said they decided to forego a week of relaxation during their summer break in order to help share God’s love.

“We are doing this for Jesus and for the people who cannot afford it,” Jule Morris said.

“I just want to show the people who have a need that I am here to help and they can call me whenever they want to,” Pipkins added.

Barbara White lives next door to Cumbee. On Monday, a group of the campers began tearing the floors out of the inside of her home and is working to replace the floors before the camp concludes Saturday.

“I am excited. It’s a blessing from the Lord,” White said, adding she has needed the repairs to her home for more than a decade. “I just thank the Lord for sending them my way.”

Matthew Moody and Patrick Hill were busy pulling up floor boards inside White’s home Monday.

“I just enjoy helping people,” Moody said.

“It helps spread the word of Jesus,” Hill added.