Like lettuce or greens in a salad, programs serve as the foundation of youth development. When referring to programs, we look at the events, activities, enrichment, curriculum, and inputs through which experiential learning occurs. I believe that involving and empowering youth is a key competency in youth development (Barcelona et al., 2011). Much of this happens in a youth program. When structuring youth programs, the end goal is to craft a program that helps youth reach their fullest potential. Programs should be opportunities for youth to learn new skills, meet new people, become responsible and productive citizens, and build self-confidence. In a garden, seeing that first sprout is one of the most magical parts. In youth programs, having the first "a-ha" moment is what can ignite a spark for the rest of someone's life.

Lerner (2009)'s 6 C's of Positive Youth Development serve as the framework for understanding PYD outcomes. I truly resonate with this theory and believe this framework should be utilized as program planning fundamentals.

The place is like fruit, the sweetest of them all. The place is where youth make the most memories. The environment matters. In the place, youth should feel free to be themselves, supported, and safe. I believe there is more than one environment that may be beneficial for youth. Youth leaders may thrive exploring their environment through field trips and learning how they may give back to their communities. Youth may thrive in the kitchen making new recipes and learning how to live a healthy lifestyle through their nutrition. Nature has a restorative element, and this may be the place youth need to heal and/or engage all of their sense.

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Model shows us that when studying a youth's development, we must not only look at the child and their immediate environment but also at the interaction of the larger environment as well (Evans, 2020).

Herbs add the spice and really finish off a dish. I believe people are truly what make a youth program. Volunteers are the heart of my organization and the people that empower youth.

The people are the ones that carry out the positive youth development (PYD) approach. When using a PYD approach, we focus on youth assets rather than deficits, collaborate with youth in planning the youth's future, build youth competencies, adopt a holistic perspective of healthy personal growth, and engage in long-range planning rather than short-term solutions (Amodeo & Collins, 2007). I believe the strength-based approach helps instill confidence in youth due to the empowerment and coping skills that it brings.