Colegrove Park Elementary School - We Hold the Western Gateway

As the second year of the 21st Century Summer Program in collaboration with Greenagers at Many Forks Farm came to an inspiring close, students celebrated their achievements with an extraordinary Passion Project Day that brought family, friends, and the community together on Thursday morning.

Over three weeks, these 5th and 6th grade students built a vibrant community rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and a deep connection to the natural world. Their hard work culminated in a dynamic morning of sharing, where four distinct Passion Project groups showcased their creativity, skills, and teamwork with family and community.

The “Budding Chefs” group wowed over 75 attendees with a farm-to-table feast featuring homemade pasta, sourdough bread, grilled vegetables, and inventive desserts like butterscotch brownies and watermelon with honey and mint. Their dedication to preparing, cooking, and serving was a highlight of the event, demonstrating both culinary skill and collaboration.

Meanwhile, the “Survival: The Future of Farming on Mars” team pushed the boundaries of imagination and science. Applying lessons from farming, gardening, and building crews, they designed experiments for growing food in Martian conditions, engineered supply pods with a perfect safety record, and launched model rockets—showing how essential farm skills can have cosmic applications.

The “Explorers” group educated attendees through a newly created interpretive trail with informative plaques about local wildlife and plants. Their research, mapping, and presentations will leave a lasting educational resource for future farm visitors.

Finally, the “Muralists” transformed the greenhouse with a colorful, collaborative artwork that reflects the farm’s beauty and spirit. Their handprints arching over the mural symbolize the unity and pride of the group’s efforts.

Despite the threat of rain, the students’ energy summoned sunshine and blue skies, creating a magical atmosphere at Many Forks Farm. As families departed and students boarded the bus, many expressed excitement for returning next summer to continue learning and growing together.

The summer session also featured dedicated crews tending the garden, completing trail-building projects, and supporting kitchen logistics—each contributing to the farm’s vibrant ecosystem and community spirit.

A special moment of the day was the presentation of a handcrafted wooden sign to beloved Farmer Molly, honoring her passion and care for the farm’s abundant cucumbers.

The program exemplifies the power of giving young people space to explore, collaborate, and develop skills that inspire confidence and stewardship of the natural world.

This is the third year of the 21st Century farm program, the first taking place at Cobble Hill Farm Education and Rescue Session.