Working Together in the Neighborhood
Young neighbors join together to make a difference
Young people from two Abilene neighborhoods recently joined forces to improve their community as part of “Summer Service Camp.” The camp was a combined presentation of the North Park and College Heights Friendship Houses.
During the week-long camp,young people from the two neighborhoods worked together to weed and refurbish a neighbor’s yard, prepared greeting cards and “CARE” packages for American service personnel overseas, and baked cookies for the residents of a local assisted living center. They also re-potted flowering plants, which they distributed throughout both neighborhoods, and distributed flyers publicizing a neighborhood cleanup.
Some days, campers worked within their respective neighborhoods; on other days, they joined together to combine their efforts. At the end of the week, the young neighbors celebrated with water games and watermelon at the College Heights Friendship House.
Over 25 young neighbors participated in camp activities during the week. They were led by community coordinators Danyel Rogers and Dusty Garison, along with North Park volunteer Patri Bailey.
The goal of service camp was to help the young people become more aware of the needs around them, and to learn how everyone can make a difference in the lives of others by getting involved. The project was underwritten in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Abilene.