OK, so what is the Utah P.L.A.Y.Team?
Well, it stands for Planting Leadership and Youth. And you can join.
Our youth program consists of many youth throughout the Salt Lake valley
who come together to grow food on vacant land in order to help feed those in need.
The program is youth run. You help manage the gardens.
That includes planning out the gardens, planting, maintaining the crops, harvesting and donating them.
This is in conjunction with our Utah Hunger Buster Program,
a program designed to draw more public awareness and action to hunger in Utah.
To learn more about this program, please go to www.utahhungerbusters.org (page pending)
Where would you think Utah rates in food insecurity (those who struggle to provide meals for themselves)?
Out of 50 states, would it surprise you that we are usually in the top five states for hunger? We bring together youth like yourselves who want to make a difference. Along the way, you can learn many things such as environmental stewardship, civic responsibility, leadership skills, time management and of course...gardening and nutrition.
Below are some Q and A you may have:
Q: How long is the program?
A: It will actually begin in January as we meet, plan and have gardening and leadership classes. It will run through the end of the growing season. which is usually October.
Q: How much time is needed?
A: That depends on your level of leadership. Those in higher leadership roles should plan as much as 5 hours a week or more. Others are still expected to put in at least 2 hours a week.
Q: Does it matter that I do not know how to garden yet?
A: Not at all. We provide coaches who have years of gardening experience. As well, there are classes taught each year by area experts.
Q: When do you meet?
A: Because it is youth run, you usually make your own schedule with your teams. However, we ask you not come to the gardens after dark without a leader or parent. Generally though, Saturday mornings are when most people come.
Q: What kind of service hours can this count for?
A: Many of the youth involved in our program are taking classes in school which have a community service requirement. This is perfect for those hours. It also looks great on resumes and scholarship applications. However, if you have court ordered community service hours to fulfill, this will not work for those hours. We ask you to fulfill those hours elsewhere and come back to our program after they are satisfied.
Q: What if I am planning on being out of town during the summer?
A: Because the garden is dependant on people being consistent, we ask you to use your best judgment before you commit. We all take vacations and that is fine. But if you are planning an extended stay out of town, you may want to reconsider enrolling.
Q: What are some of the things I will learn?
A: In 2009, we had classes on gardening, event planning, leadership development, landscaping, time management, soils and more. But the things you will learn the most are from you own experiences at the garden.
Q: What are some of the basic rules of the program?
A:
Above all---Be safe in all things!
Avoid the garden after dark without leaders or parents
Ask your leaders before taking home any produce from the garden.
Be willing to get your hands dirty and work hard in the heat of the summer
Remember those who will be getting the "fruits of your labors"
Have Fun!
Q: It sounds like it is hard. Is it fun though?
A: That depends on your perception. However, many of our youth come back year after year and stay involved. Make no mistake, there are early
mornings, late nights, hot weather, cold weather, wet weather, heavy lifting and and enough problem solving requirements to keep you on your toes. But, it can be very rewarding when you realize who you are helping.
Q: Can I bring a school, church or otter group to volunteer?
A: Absolutely. We often have large groups come. We are one of the few places in Salt Lake that can handle groups of ANY size.
On Global Youth Service Day, we have hundreds of people contributing. We even have adult groups come who work under the direction of the youth leaders.
Q: When do I need to sign up?
A: We will begin right after the first of the year. You can sign up anywhere along the way. However, those who sign up first will be the ones chosen for leadership positions.
Q: How old do I need to be
A: Our main youth gardening program is for those 13-18. However, if you are 12 and in the 7th grade, that will be fine. We also are working to build supportive roles for those from 5-12 years old and that should be in place by Spring of 2010.
Feel free to email us if you have any other questions. (Please go to the contact page to reach the right person).
www.
Youth Gardens
.org
Volunteer Youth Growing Food for the Needy
P.L.A.Y. Team
Home
If you are between 13-18 and want to make a difference in the community, sign up to be a
volunteer or a leader this year. 2012 looks to be great. Please email us for more information.
Make Plans Now for 2012 Global Youth Service Day on April 21st.
Look for pics of our 2nd Annual Labor Day of Love Garden Food Drive coming soon
