For the past few years, my brother-in-law, Doc, has been running a summer camp for kids in our neighborhood called the Fresh Camp. He combines hip-hop, lyric writing, music production, gardening and cooking to create an experience for neighborhood kids that enables them to use their voice in finding and amplifying what is fresh in our community. Recently a short film about his project called "RE {FRESH} - It Takes a Village" was selected as an "early acceptance" for screening and competition at the 5th Annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival. Here's the trailer (and I make a special guest appearance at 1:07). Re{Fresh} (trailer) from Travis Pollert on Vimeo.
We've been supporting Doc in this endeavor the past 2 years and our involvement is even greater this year. Lynea was able to get a grant to put in 2 school gardens in our area, and the Fresh Camp students are learning and growing (pun intended) with her in the gardens.
Recently, someone came and ripped up all of the plants we had planted, leaving everyone frustrated, yet somehow motivated. We put the plants back in the ground, and (wisely) put up a fence. As momentum for this camp has grown, Doc has seen the value in doing it year round and he's got a Kickstarter campaign going to reach this goal. Looking for something good, inspiring, and fresh to donate to? Check out the kickstarter campaignhere. He's trying to raise $12,000 in 29 days!
Prepping the beds.
Watering
Looking at different types of soil.
Did I mention Lynea rocks as a teacher!!
Planting with love.
Getting the crew ready to put those plants in the ground!
Here's a video Doc made after the recent plant disaster:
If you made it this far in the post, thanks. And if your so inclined, help spread the word to folks that might be interested in supporting Doc's kickstarter campaign.
A very romantic definition of summer, yet you have to admit that summer is pretty sweet! Our windows are open 24/7. We wake up to birds singing every morning. We sweat. Ah yes, we sweat! There's not much time to write, cause this is our season to "do." Late night dates consist of weeding and watering at Lynea's school gardens. Thankfully she's trained 2 teens to take over watering duty. As for my city farm job, we jammin'! Don't wanna speak too soon, lest our tomatoes fall sick to disease, but we've had a great spring harvest of lettuce, kale, arugula, swiss chard, and radishes. Here's a few photos as proof:
My co-worker manning our booth at the Farmer's Market.
Lynea has been working with Doc's Fresh Camp students, teaching in the garden. Did I mention she can teach like none other!
Planting up the school garden.
Lettuce grows in rows at my farm.
Cleaning radishes.
Only had 6 rows planted at this site last year. This year we have 42! It's been hand to the shovel and sore to the back.
