July 11, 2025 | Education
Summer Stories: Youth Development Program, Week 2
Hands-on Learning, On and Off-Farm
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.
We’ve hit that unmistakable part of summer that every gardener knows—right around the 4th of July, the weeds seem to explode overnight. So, our students kicked off Week 2 with one of the biggest challenges of the season: weeding. It’s a daunting task, but the crews rolled up their sleeves, worked together, and made a huge dent in reclaiming the beds.
We also began our annual garlic harvest, which is always a major milestone on the farm. With hundreds of bulbs to pull, clean, and dry, this project will span several days—but the students jumped in enthusiastically.
Tuesday brought our first field trip of the summer. We headed to the Rodale Institute’s Midwest Organic Center for their annual Field Day. While we couldn’t stay for the entire day due to work hour limits, our students spent the morning immersed in innovative organic farming practices. They learned about no-till farming, explored a diverse systems trial, and even saw a robotics demonstration in action—offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of agriculture.
Wednesday started with a fun icebreaker: Two Truths and a Lie. Students shared three facts about themselves—two true and one false—while their peers asked questions to uncover the lie. It was a great way to deepen connections and build team trust. Afterward, we welcomed Eva Donnelly from the ISU Extension Office for our first of four hands-on nutrition education classes. The day wrapped up with more farm work and a chance for one crew to support Groundswell Cafe by making Good Meals To Go for the Cultivate Hope Corner Store and catering prep.
On Thursday, one student crew visited Trailside Elementary to assist
with Kids on Course University. They led garden-based lessons for five
different classes, teaching
students about plant parts and their functions. It was a joy to watch them teach and engage with kids from grades 1 through 5. Meanwhile, another crew learned the basics of baking with longtime volunteer Dick Sockwell, while others planted more squash and green beans back on the Urban Farm.
All in all, it was a full and rewarding second week. Our students continue to impress us with their willingness to work hard, try new things, and step into leadership roles—even under the summer sun.