The day was bright and clear as two white vans pulleddown the Wyoming country lane and into the yard ofan older white home and yard with a picket fence thatwas badly in need of repair and paint. Sixteen boys and six stafffrom Majestic Ranch Academy in Randolph, UT, descended onthis service project with shouts of joy and enthusiasm.Blue milk carton stools, water bottles and buckets of paint andbrushes accompanied the eager boys. Repairs with hammersand scrapers were the first order of business to prepare thefence for painting. The boys were divided into fours witheach group assigned a section or side of the yard. Next camethe primer coat. Sacks of carmel popcorn were the reward forcompleting their section of the fence. The primer coat was allcompleted by noon and lunch was served. The second coat ofpaint went on after lunch with a lot of competition, swiftness,accuracy and enthusiasm; each group working together. Paintbegan appearing in the boyʼs hair, faces, arms and clothing . . .much to their delight.
When the fence was all completed, all white and shiny, therewas still some paint left over, so the boys all descended on thenearby garage. By 5:30, it was time to clean up and go back to theRanch. The fence and garage looked beautiful.We are an older couple and could not believe what a lovelyand efficient job these boys had accomplished in one day.The boys were polite and enthusiastic all day long. It was abeautiful service project.
Every time we look out our windows and see this beautifulpaint job, our thoughts turn to the boys of the Majestic Ranchprogram.
Parenting Troubled Teens - Helpand tips for parents with troubled and struggling teens.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
