This Wednesday here at OMC the entire camp participated in a service project to Jackson’s Mill. To be honest, before this year I have always taken the easy way out of service projects here at camp. I always do something, that while it?s helpful, it doesn?t involve a whole lot of effort. This year I changed my mind and decided to get down and dirty. I signed up for weeding, mulching, and grooming the flower beds in front of the Administration building. For those of you who have been to the Mill before you know that the flower beds I am speaking of outline almost the entire outside of this building. I didn?t know exactly what I was getting myself into. We arrived a little after one this afternoon ready to work. I learned to use certain tools to help me remove weeds from the flower bed and how to spread mulch over an area. We worked, and by we I mean about seven of us, until four o?clock this afternoon. While I walked away from this project with more aches and pains than ever, I had the best feeling in my heart. It made me proud that I put all of my time and effort into beautifying this area. I love Jackson’s Mill for all the wonderful things it?s done for me and I feel the need to help it and it?s staff in return. This is why we do community service, not for what we gain from it, but what others gain from our passion and drive to do something for them. Although, that warm, fuzzy, good feeling inside helps too. I got to work first hand with the director?s wife today, who is in charge of all the landscaping here at The Mill, and she taught me a lot. So, I just want to give a hand to all the Mill staff for everything they do! My life would not be the same without this camp. Also, to my group that worked so hard today, HOW HOW!! My fellow 4-Hers truly inspire me everyday with their hard work, enthusiasm, and leadership.

Always,
Caroline