July 15, 2024 | Education
Summer Stories: Youth Development Program, Week 3
Week three of the Youth Development Program was all about the students exploring the connection between land and farming, plus harvesting and baking.
![YDP group](https://www.matthew-25.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/YDP3-scaled.jpg)
The Youth Development Program is a paid opportunity for high-school-age students to develop and hone various skills in preparation for life beyond the classroom. The summer session is called the Seed Crew, and is 8 weeks of working, learning, and connecting as a team.
This week we began our agroecology theme with a workshop that helps the students explore their connection to the land and farming and share their experiences with others. We also took the time to revisit our standards and consequences sheet we created as a group. The students surprised me with wanting to add a cell phone policy that would limit their use even more. We are testing out a tally system where a tally is made each time we see a phone during working hours (breaks and lunch are fine). If they get 5 tallies, phone use will be prohibited at all times for the rest of the week for everyone including during breaks and lunch.
Tuesday was all about the garlic! We harvested and laid out an entire plot of garlic. It took the majority of the morning, but it was a very tangible task to complete. Seeing the space filled with all the garlic drying is a pretty special thing. It will be used in CSA, sold at the market and Cultivate Hope Corner Store, and used at Groundswell Cafe. The students then spent the afternoon researching topics pertaining to sustainable agriculture.
Wednesday each student presented on the topic they were given and we had the opportunity to ask questions and dive deeper into each topic. One key thing was each student had to figure out if/where we employ these techniques on the farm. Some knew right away, but others figured it out while working during the day and noticing the exact thing they had just researched. It’s amazing watching them put the pieces together.
Thursday was full of market preparation. Baking carrot cupcakes, and making pesto were also on the list.