The Unity in the Community Summer Youth Camp was a huge success, representatives said.

The children, volunteers and director of the camp voiced their enthusiasm at the closing ceremony that was held July 22, 2018. The most impressive part of the closing ceremony was hearing different campers voice what they enjoyed about the camp, and how grateful they were for the program, representatives added.

It was after hearing from the children and youth that Unity in the Community leaders decided they did not want to lose this group of young people, and felt compelled to keep them together.

It was agreed that the group would meet once a month for activities that would blend fun and a learning experience together. With the help of the children and youth, Unity in the Community adopted the name “Unity’s Seeds Youth Group.”

One of the activities during the Summer Youth Camp was planting and growing different seeds, plants and herbs. From that experience, the group learned how to nurture and care for the plants they had planted, and the benefits associated with the plants they were growing.

As a fundraiser, the group repotted almost 200 aloe vera plants, fall mums and herbs. Those plants are now ready to be sold at a market in Rutherfordton.

The group learned of the many benefits and usage of the aloe vera plant, which includes cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

People are invited to help keep the group together by purchasing their plants. For a one-time delivery to a Tryon residence, people may call Sharon Rogers at 828-289-0495. Otherwise, purchases can be made and money left at the self-service station produce stand at 5600 Pea Ridge Road, Rutherfordton.

The Unity’s Seed Youth Group is open to all young people who wish to join. Further information about this group and others that the Unity in the Community Organization offer may be found on the UITC website.

– Submitted by Eleanor D. Miller