The morning of May 18, 2023, was bright and sunny. Students from Hillside Christian School excitedly climbed into cars and headed for Camp Wakonda to help with the Work Bee to prepare the camp grounds for camp meeting and the summer camp program. 

When we arrived, we were assigned to pick up pinecones and small sticks in the area in front of Administration Row and nearby Bathroom 2.

Our local pastor, Justin Spady, encouraged us to sing songs while we worked! We sang “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” and “Jesus Loves Me.”

Reflecting on the day of service, one of our students, Estrella, commented, “I like to feel helpful! Besides the hard work and scratches from the sticks, everything was amazing!” Another student, Luna, said, “My favorite part was lunch!” Kindergartner Aaliyah commented, “I liked picking up pinecones. I liked being at the camp.”

The Wakonda Work Bee was just one of several service projects that Hillside students participated in during this school year. Once a month we read to students in our local Head Start program. Every month we also help deliver beds as part of The Shepherd’s House Beds for Kids community service project.

Charlyn Marsh, Head Teacher, Hillside Christian School