The Fall River YMCA runs a summer camp that engages over 100 children in constructive activities from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at their North Main Street facility. As part of the program, the Y obtained the use of a garden space at the intersection of Bedford Street and Oak Grove Avenue thanks to a donation form the Lapointe Insurance Company. The program gives children the chance to plant, cultivate and harvest a variety of vegetables that are then donated to local food banks. "Every week we have a different age group, so we teach them all the aspects of gardening," comments staff member Charissa Lock. "The kids have a lot of fun with it," noted staff member Karen Correia who spoke about how they integrate math concepts into the gardening project as part of the Bridge To Success program. The Fall River Y runs a variety of programs six days a week in their downtown  location, each of which promotes a healthy body, mind and spirit. Click here for a video of the garden project. For more information about programs at the Fall River Y, call 508-675-7841 or click here to see a schedule.
 

(Top row) Specialized camp counselors Charissa Lock, Karen Correia and Efrain Irizarry, Jr. bring the children to the Bedford Street plot that was donated by the Lapointe Insurance Company for the summer. (Middle row, left) Charissa demonstrates how to water the plants as Yarielys Lopez watches. (Middle row, right) Yarielys watches as Madison Miner, Isabela Ryan and Deja Soto fill their water bottles. (Bottom row, left) Madison and Yarielys measure the growth of their plants with rulers and report the results. (Bottom row, center) Karen Correia and Charissa Lock describe the Bridge to Success program that integrates math and science concepts into the garden learning experience.