Despite the massive amount of rain that June brought, the July heat quickly depleted the water in the giant rain bucket we had been using to water the plants. With two gallon buckets and the closest water source a small spigot 400 meters away, we were faced with a challenge. At stake: some very thirsty plants.

Thanks to the youthful energy of the 8th grade class and the hint of a competition on the line, the problem was quickly resolved. After the requisite moaning and complaining, the 8th graders rallied and divided into two teams, spacing out across the field and parking lot dividing the school and garden. The water was turned on, and the competition began. The first bucket spilled more than it actually successfully added to the rain barrel, but after a few rounds the 8th graders had a system down (which of course involved the occasional accidental “spilling” on a friend). A few especially competitive students turned the final leg of the assembly line into a race to prove who was the fastest runner in the class.  Fifteen minutes later, the rain bucket was successfully refilled. The students returned to class having gotten out some much needed energy, and the plants were happily quenched.

Get ready 7th graders! Next time its gonna be your turn to carry the weight!

by Serena Bernthal-Jones, ’17