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On Friday, October 16th and Saturday, October 17th alumni of the 08-09 Young Heroes team embarked on a journey in the restorative efforts of Camp Long in West Seattle. Friday night the Heroes participated in a fun night of reconnecting with their friends, games, team building, and of course S’mores. There was a talent show in which a few Heroes displayed outstanding talents such as an amazing vocal rendition of the Black National Anthem, a powerful poetic reciting of a monologue from Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell Tale Heart,” and an astonishing display of acrobatic ability. The follow day the team helped to restore wetland plants on the banks of the stream at the camp in order to slow down the erosion which destroys the eggs of salmon residing in the stream. They also tore down invasive Blackberry vines throughout the camp and stacked firewood, which is how Camp Long maintains and funds the facility. The team was very enthusiastic despite the unfortunate natural elements at hand and turned the rain and mud into an amazingly impactful service learning project. The heroes persevered through what seemed to be a disaster with a smile, a shovel, and purpose.
"The City Year Retreat was an absolute blast, we had 22 very enthusiastic, very wet kids ready to kick off the year right. The first night I spent playing games, watching some amazing talents in a talent show, and of course ate alot of smores. The next morning I had just as much fun as I had breakfast played a few more games and got ready for a fun day of service. During the service I helped lead a group that was in charge of placing the wetland plants. It was the most fun I had all day as I sang songs planted plants and got in a few mud wars. Overall I wouldnt change a thing about the experience, well maybe other than the rain." -Simon Stacey
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