On the weekend of September 13-15th, students from the Cormier Honors College payed a visit to Hull Springs Farm for their fall semester retreat and weekend of service.
CHC students taking care of some weeding around the Big House.
“One group spent early Saturday morning straightening and arranging items for sale at the Shoppe for Haven’s Sake Thrift Shop, a non-profit enterprise affiliated with The Haven, an organization that provides shelter for victims of physical and sexual abuse. As some students cleaned the grounds outside of the building, others dusted and re-sorted items for daily living so that concerned neighbors are encouraged to purchase merchandise allowing for 100% of the income received by the Thrift Shop to be donated for the welfare of the mothers and children housed in the community…others travelled to a nearby parish to assist in preparing the parsonage for the newly appointed rector. Lots of windows to be washed inside and out did not deter our students from their dedication to community service.Eager to offer their energy, comraderie, and good will to the lush grounds that are in fact the lab for which myriad interdisciplinary studies avail at Hull Spring Farms, guided and directed by an ever-enthusiastic and knowledgeable Brian Barbre, Education Programming and Facilities Coordinator, for the Longwood owned farm, students divided into groups to clear overgrown gardens, prune shrubs away from the Grand House, paint window frames, and clean out years of accumulation in sheds dotting the property…As the afternoon progressed, upperclassmen shared the fun adventure of canoeing and kayaking with freshmen and sophomores. As they practiced their paddling skills, students kept a watchful eye on each other as well as the shoreline for which they were determined to retrieve each and every speck of trash that might litter the waters surrounding Hull Springs Farm…”I love this place…how awesome…I feel better than ever… when can we return?” were among some of the applauding and appreciative exclamations that peeled through the clear, crisp air as students boarded the Longwood bus for the ride back to Farmville.” All I can say here is, thanks! The HSF team is eternaly greatful for the students enerdy and enthusiasm and look forward to the next trip.
We’ll call this one a team building exercise.