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July 18, 2025 | Education

Summer Stories: Youth Development Program, Week 3

It was a week full of effort, reflection, and connection—on the farm and beyond.

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.

Week 3 kicked off with a flurry of weeding and planting! As we move through our first big harvests of root vegetables, we’re clearing space to plant another succession or introduce new crops. This week, we wrapped up the garlic harvest and got more carrots, brassicas (for a fall harvest), cucumbers, and tomatoes in the ground.

On Tuesday, we took a field trip to Wickiup Hill Nature Center, where students had the chance to put their prairie plant knowledge to the test, dip net in the wetlands for tiny aquatic critters, and explore nature at their own pace. Some walked the restored oak savannah while others explored the indoor exhibits of the Wickiup.

 

wickiup hill good meals to go

After our adventure, we returned to the farm to continue our hands-on work. It was a week of both digging in the dirt and discovering the outdoors—a perfect blend of learning, teamwork, and fun.

Wednesday was a full day on the farm, focused on harvesting for the Farmers Market and—yes—more weeding! The tasks were tough, but our students rose to the challenge. Staff were especially impressed by the quality of their work and how well the teams are starting to gel. Their growing collaboration and commitment really shone through.

We closed the day with a thoughtful session on empathetic problem solving, where students explored real-life scenarios and practiced approaching challenges with understanding and compassion.

To finish out the week, students split their time between more farm work and baking—getting to enjoy some of their own creations during a special lunch provided by Groundswell Cafe. We also welcomed a guest speaker, who shared insights about planning for the future and staying open to unexpected opportunities along the way.