Globalworks International Collaborations
Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Our Teen Volunteer Teams: A Journey into the Forest
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when young people come together to work in the heart of a forest. It’s a magic that unfolds through sweat, laughter, and the deep satisfaction of leaving a mark on something much bigger than themselves. Over the summer of 2024, we were privileged to witness this magic through the incredible efforts of five teen volunteer groups who joined us in our forest sanctuary. These young people, hailing from all corners of the United States, brought with them boundless energy, a love for nature, and a commitment to making a difference.
June 20th, 2024 – PRX1: The Journey Begins
On a warm day in June, our first group of volunteers—31 bright-eyed teens, arrived ready to immerse themselves in the forest. Guided by the expertise of Lauren, Nahely, Smooth, and Nathan, this team embarked on a day of transformative work, led by 3t. Lunch was under the culinary care of Chef Monique, they were fueled up, and set out to make an impact. These young volunteers tackled a variety of tasks with enthusiasm, leaving behind a well-tended homestead area, a revitalized nursery, and newly planted vetiver on the cabin bank. Their efforts were more than just physical labor; they were an act of love for the land, a connection that would only deepen as the summer went on.
July 5th, 2024 – PRX2: Growing Stronger Together
Just a few weeks later, another group of teens, 24 in total, arrived with their hearts set on making a difference. This time, 3t was joined by Jon Warwick, and together they led the group through a series of important tasks. With the guidance of Globalworks leaders, Lauren, Dee, Nathan, and Jorge, and the nourishment provided by Chefs Nitzie and Nia, these young stewards spent the day in the homestead area, tending the nursery, and working diligently on the lower hillside trail. The bonds they formed with the forest—and with each other—were palpable. By the end of the day, they had not only cleared paths and planted vetiver but had also planted the seeds of lifelong stewardship.
July 16th, 2024 – PRX3: Planting the Future
The third group arrived in mid-July, a smaller but no less passionate team of 16 students. Under the leadership of 3t and supported by Globalworks leaders Jorge, Sadie, and Raina, they embarked on a mission to plant trees along the Ethnobotanical trail. These weren’t just any trees—they were species carefully chosen for their ecological importance: Cornutia obovata, Goetzea elegans, Libidibia monosperma, Psychotria viridis, and Prunus occidentalis. With each sapling they planted, these teens were sowing the future of the forest. Chef Nitzie’s meals kept them energized throughout the day, and by the time they left, they had made a lasting contribution to the biodiversity of our sanctuary.
July 25th, 2024 – PRX4: Carving New Paths
As July drew to a close, another dedicated group of teens joined us, ready to continue the work of those who came before them. This team, led by 3t with the support of Globalworeks leaders Lyndsey, Jorge, and Kurt, focused on planting trees along the hillside trail and fortifying the lower hillside with vetiver. Dr. Mark Nelson, Chairman of the Institute of Ecotechnics, and an accomplished chef, provided the food fuel for their hard work, and as the day wore on, the students not only cleared the steps to the lower trail but also deepened their connection to the forest. They left behind new paths and strengthened trails, both literally and metaphorically, for those who will come after them.
August 3rd, 2024 – PRX5: A Celebration of Creativity and Community
Our final group of the summer arrived in early August, a mix of 20 students guided by 3t and supported by Globalworks staff Lauren, Naely, and Anya. This day was special, not just for the work accomplished, but for the creative spirit that infused it. With the guidance of Gaby Sanchez, our artist in residence, these young volunteers engaged in maintaining front gardens, raking paths, pruning, and working in the Hoop Nursery. But they also had the unique opportunity to contribute to a collaborative art project—crafting a cabuya, a traditional Puerto Rican rope made from maguey fibers. This project symbolized the beautiful intersection of nature, culture, and community, and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
The Lasting Impact
As each of these groups departed, they left behind more than just planted trees and cleared trails. They left behind a piece of themselves—a piece that will continue to grow and flourish within the forest they came to love. But they didn’t leave empty-handed. Each teen took with them the experience of working in harmony with nature, the joy of making a tangible difference, and the hope of returning one day as stewards of the forest.
Their hard work has left an indelible mark on our project, and we are filled with gratitude for the passion and energy they brought. We are hopeful that these young volunteers will carry the lessons they’ve learned into their futures, becoming the forest stewards of tomorrow.
Thank you to all the volunteers, leaders, and support staff who made these contributions possible. Your dedication has not only enriched our forest but also our hearts.
