August 12, 2024 | Education
Summer Stories: Youth Development Program, Week 7
Weeding, harvesting, presentations and lots of learning with "ugly" cucumbers.
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.
As the program entered its second-to-last week, the students truly settled into their roles. The week included the usual tasks of weeding and harvesting, alongside various farm maintenance activities.
Significant progress was made on the chicken tractor planning, resulting in a solid plan to move forward. However, it was determined
that the project will require more time than the remaining weeks allow, making it a likely task for the Root Crew this fall. Additionally, compost is now available again, and the process of unloading it has resumed.
A highlight of the week was a visit from a guest speaker from Farmers State Bank, who educated the students on budgeting and credit cards, leaving them with valuable insights.
The remainder of the week was dedicated to preparing for a presentation for Transamerica. The students chose their preferred topics, formed groups, and brainstormed creative ways to present their ideas—some opting for posters, others for tours or demonstrations.
The week concluded with a fun and educational activity: making pickles from “ugly” cucumbers. This was a new experience for all the students, and the results were fantastic!