Coming Together on the Cape for Youth

Great minds think alike, and in the case of Cape Cod Cooperative Extension (CCCE), the Brazilian Resource Center of South Yarmouth, and the Dennis Conservation Land Trust (DCLT), minds came together to create a stimulating, agricultural education pilot program for Brazilian youth on Cape Cod while also introducing them to Massachusetts 4-H. “This is filling a hole for a demographic of kids that hadn’t been filled yet,” said Leeza Barstein of the Dennis Conservation Land Trust.

The ten-week program, which took place weekly after school between April 21 and June 30, served eighteen youth ages 6-13 from the Brazilian Resource Center, a nonprofit that serves the Brazilian community on the Cape. During their time in the program, the youth planted earth boxes with vegetables, including spinach, lettuce, and Brazilian crops such as okra and jilo, which they later transplanted into raised beds.

The young people also conducted hands-on science experiments and kept science journals, enjoyed nature walks at the DCLT’s property, and learned about hydroponic farming at Cape Abilities Farm in Dennis. The youth learned about the parts of a plant, like roots and stems, and which minerals plants need to grow.

The partnership between the organizations occurred when Leeza Barstein of the DCLT contacted Sandi Shepard-Gay, the 4-H Extension Educator with CCCE. The DCLT owned land available for cultivation, and the Brazilian Resource Center, having worked with Buy Fresh Buy Local to plant gardens at several local schools, was looking for additional land to garden. Buy Fresh Buy Local, also part of CCCE, helps residents to locate and prepare fresh food.

Representatives from the organizations met and planned the new youth Ag Education program. “Due to the youth’s age range and because for some English was not their first language, we were presented with a welcome opportunity to adapt the program and its delivery,” said Shepherd-Gay.

Youth and stakeholders alike have realized extensive benefits from the pilot program. In addition to the children learning where their food comes from, Michael Mecenas, the Brazilian Resource Center’s Founder and Executive Director, has also witnessed a significant change in the youth of the program, citing improved socialization and curiosity. “Parents have reported to us that the kids research when they go home, they ask a lot of questions,” Mecenas said. “I’m extremely happy with this program. There’s a waiting list for the next one.”

David Fryxell, Executive Director of DCLT, believes the program underscores his organization’s focus on education. “The program teaches about sustainable agriculture in a way that doesn’t harm the environment,” he said. And the enthusiasm of the youth make the time invested worthwhile. “I liked planting the beans best!” said Claire, a participant.

To fund the program, Buy Fresh Buy Local was awarded a grant in February from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDAR) called Reserving Cape Cod’s Agricultural Past, Cultivating the Future — A Comprehensive Plan for Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod 2025 Programs, a portion of which supported the Ag Education program, said Tara Racine, Coordinator of Buy Fresh Buy Local. The grant even paid 4-H enrollment fees for the Brazilian Resource Center participants, who are now full 4-H members. “It provides an opportunity that the youth might otherwise have not been able to participate in,” said Racine.

In June, eleven new 4-H’ers gathered at the DCLT for the program’s concluding party. As swallows flew in and out of the DCLT’s barn, the children participated in water activities with AmeriCorps members, played games, and enjoyed a barbeque and the arrival of a local ice cream truck.

Tara Racine of Buy Fresh Buy Local believes that the program will run again next year and anticipates applying for more funding. 4-H Educator Sandi Shepherd-Gay welcomes the opportunity to raise awareness of 4-H and appreciates the connections she has made. “If you get the collaborations going, then the programs can run themselves,” said Shepherd-Gay. “It’s a goal of 4-H and a particular goal of mine to make Barnstable County 4-H accessible to all youth. Cape Cod is fortunate to have a wide variety of youth demographics.”