Day 1: The Squeaky Wheelbarrow

Mulching at the South Family YMCA

Hello from Anna Catherine and Caitlynne on the Urban Youth Development ASB in St. Louis!!!

Wow, that was a long intro. Anyways... 

Today we helped middle schoolers and high schoolers and mulched a playground.

 Half of us served at Busch Middle School of Character, and the other half served at Nottingham High School from 7:30am-12pm. At Busch we were split up into groups and were paired with classes that needed our attention. Through this we were able to interact with the students as they went to their different classes during the day. Some of us got to revisit and test our skills with math, science, english, and even physical education. We were able to help out the students and make the teaching process easier on the teachers. By going to these schools we were able to get incite on what an urban school was like and how a "normal" day was in the lives of these kids. 

Neither of us went to Nottingham today, however, we were told the Nottingham school is a special school that has ages ranging from 14-21 to teach them skills needed to get a job without going through higher education.  The group that went were paired with classes individually, and they had a same experience as us helping students as needed. 

After we left the school we all ate a quick lunch and met up at the YMCA. We were given a tour of the facilities and then headed outside to 76,000 pounds of mulch!! About 10 of us were mulching for a playground that was re-opening soon. The other 4 of our group were weeding and preparing their community garden beds. 

By helping out with the mulching we are going to provide a safe place for children to play once the warm weather comes along. The community garden provides a place for members to plant whatever they want. 

There were several special memories from the day for us when we were mulching. First, we felt that everyone was working so hard as a team made of shovelers, rakers, and the pushers of wheelbarrows! Secondly, halfway though this lovely mulching process, a truck came to deliver more mulch to the already huge mulch pile. Lastly, there was this one wheelbarrow that was squeaking so loud it sounded like it was crying under the pressure of the mulch. 

Preparing the Community Garden

Check back tomorrow for more service and trip details!

The mulch kept coming!!