Letter of Commendation"The
International Club of Raymond High School
was very impressive during its stay at
Heifer International's Overlook Farm. The
girls represented-their school quite well,
and, as their group facilitator for the
weekend, I would be happy to host another
group from Raymond High School. The girls
were attentive and inquisitive during
educational activities. Their level of
participation was much higher than that of
our average group; the girls not only
learned from me, but from one another.
During an activity in which I taught the
girls to spin animal fiber into yarn, I even
had the great pleasure of learning more
about the process from one of the students,
which will benefit the farm's programming in
the future.
Throughout their stay at the farm, the
girls were exposed to many different
situations. They participated in educational
activities about world population,
consumption habits, and cottage industries,
learning about Heifer International's work
to end poverty and hunger within the United
States and overseas. They also toured the
farm and our Global Village, learning about
sustainable farming practices and the
lifestyles of Heifer project partners
abroad.
Finally, the group participated in
service projects that benefited the farm.
These projects included disassembling a
turkey tractor, basic clean up around the
farm, moving cut wood to clear an area for
expansion of our water buffalo pen, and
mucking out a llama and alpaca stall. During
these projects, the girls gained a greater
understanding of the work involved in
farming. This introduced them to the vital
(but often hidden) relationship between farm
work and the food they eat, as well as the
clothes they wear.
These projects also provided the girls
with an opportunity to work together,
learning more about one another and the
importance of cooperation. I was very
impressed with their interactions with one
another. During morning and afternoon.
chores, the girls did a thorough job of
feeding the animals, ensuring that
everything was done correctly. Without any
prompting from their chaperones or staff
members, they helped those who were still
working when their own tasks were complete.
The group
.
was among the most considerate I have
seen at the farm, taking on more
responsibility than we asked them to and
helping staff when they had free time. It is
a rare group that creates no extra clean up
work for staff. These girls went above and
beyond expectations, demonstrating the
ability to take initiative throughout the
weekend.
The group's inclusion of three foreign
exchange students made the experience even
more wonderful. The activities at the farm
provided opportunities for these girls to
improve their English and to interact with
the other girls. I feel that farm work such
as chores and service projects enabled them
to participate in the group fully and
communicate in nonverbal ways. During our
closing discussion, one girl explained that
the trip had helped her vocabulary and
provided her with more knowledge about the
houses and food in other countries. The
change in the girls' comfort levels. between
orientation and our closing discussion was
delightful to witness.
Like many other farm staff, I am a
volunteer. The International Club was the
sort of group that makes my volunteer work
seem worthwhile. I feel that the group's
visit was beneficial to both the girls and
to farm staff, and I hope to see the club
return in the future.
Sincerely,
Cathy Bass"
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