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By KARA O'CONNOR

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- A well-balanced day filled with teamwork, community service and art was what Wilton teens got on Wednesday at Weir Farm, says Colleen Fawcett, Wilton youth services coordinator.

On Wednesday, 13 Wilton teens participated in the second annual "Teens Take Part in Community Service and Art" project. This year, the kids helped put down mulch and clear the path that leads to Weir Pond at the Weir Farm National Historic Site, said Fawcett. The project is designed for the kids to get a chance to get outdoors and learn appreciation for hard work, she said.

"I think that helping out at Weir Farm is a perfect community project for the kids," said Fawcett. "They get to be outdoors and help out with a National Park that is in their own backyard."

The community service project is a collaboration between the Wilton Library, the Wilton YMCA, Wilton youth services and the Trackside Teen Center, she said. Last year, teens helped out at Weir Farm by weeding and clearing out the woodland edge path, said Fawcett.

"This is the second year that we have done this project and it has been a hit both years," she said. "I think the kids had a good time, it was hot and the work got hard, but the kids really stuck to it and helped each other out, which was great to see."

Isabella Ferrante, 13, said she had a good time helping clear the path at Weir Farm.

"It was fun but a little bit hard," said Ferrante. "But it was nice being outside and it felt good to help out."

Natalia Lebrija, 13, said this isn't the first time she has participated in community service.

"I have helped give food to the elderly before as a community service project," said Lebrija. "This was different from that, but I like doing community service. When you help out someone else, it's always nice."

After the teens helped clear and mulch the path at Weir Farm, they had a chance to reflect on their day and do some artwork, said Fawcett.

"I think that after the kids put in such hard work with this community service project, they deserve a break to reflect on their day," said Fawcett. "Doing some artwork is the perfect end to a day like this. In this busy world, kids don't get to sit back and relax that much."

Ally Shay, 12, said she was looking forward to relaxing after helping out with the community service project.

"It was hot today, but it was fun," said Shay. "It was cool because we found some turtle eggs when we were clearing the path. But I am looking forward to painting and getting out of the sun."

Fawcett said next year's teen community service and art project is already in the planning process.

"I think that we will do this again next year, most likely at Weir Farm again," said Fawcett. "The kids seem to enjoy it and it's a good idea to get them into community service. It's a nice day for everyone."

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