1,600 Youth Lend Helping Hands at 14 Service Projects in Southwest Washington

By Ernie Geigenmiller

More than 1,600 youth and adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered in Vancouver over the weekend to aid in 14 service projects that benefitted local communities.

Nathan Puffer, Colby Allen, and other youth prepare to landscape the Pacific Park Demonstration Garden in Vancouver.

Adam Weiss, forefront, and Daelin Jensen listen to a speaker.

“I think we made a difference,” said Dallin Buck, of Woodland. “I enjoyed working and meeting new people this weekend.”

The youth worked at the following sites:

• Pacific Park Demonstration Garden
• Clark County Food Bank
• Heritage Farm
• Lacamas Park
• Lewisville Park
• Salmon Creek Greenway
• Frenchman’s Bar Park
• Second Step Housing
• Remme Residence
• DNR Rock Creek Campground
• DNR Washougal Farm
• Pioneer Cemetery
• Share House

“It’s really fun doing this,” said Nathan Puffer, of Camas, one of the group’s volunteers. “It feels good to help the community.”

Dallin Buck pulls weeds at the Pacific Park Demonstration Garden.

The super activity brought in LDS teens from areas as far north as Longview and Kelso, and as far east as The Dalles, OR. Dozens of local families hosted between 2 and 5 teens in their homes, and shuttled their guests to and from service projects and the youth conference. The conference itself featured several workshops, musical performances, and spiritual discussions.

Rebecca Pugmire dances with friends at Skyview High School in Vancouver.

The youth were divided into several large groups that moved into the various classes and workshops throughout the three-day event. They also participated in outdoor games and singing. Friday night concluded with a dance, and Saturday night ended with a musical concert.

“I really enjoyed some of the talks that were given,” said Camas resident Daelin Jensen. “I learned a lot.”

The youth participated in various outdoor games during the 3-day event.

Jake Murphy, from Kelso, said “I really liked the dance and the music. It was a lot of fun, and there were some cute girls here.”

The LDS Church has a strong focus on the family and encourages its youth to reach out, said Heather Norton, whose family hosted several teen girls.

Sprague said the youth discussed their faith in Jesus Christ and how to apply Christian teachings into their daily lives.  “We wanted to reinforce these sacred beliefs and remind the kids how much they are appreciated,” she added.