Summer 2020 Programs with NYP

This summer, NYP will be complying with CDC regulations to move back into some in-person programming. We are in a unique position to offer youth programs because we have access to outdoor spaces. We are excited to begin working with youth and their families this summer, while maintaining the health and safety of our community. 

Art Programs

This summer we are moving from the spring  bi-monthly Zoom Art  Hangouts to in person Art Programming. We have had an Art Challenge each week that NYP teens have one week to submit their artwork to share via social media.  We look forward to starting the Art program following CDC guidelines in the garden, in the open air this summer. We will be creating earth based art this summer, working with the garden program to build and beautify the space. As well as offering a creative outlet for youth to express themselves in a creative way.

 

Agriculture

We are maintaining our garden to provide food for our youth & the larger community during the pandemic. We have incorporated CDC recommended precautions to continue to offer internships to youth, planting, & tending to the garden. Each week we harvest seasonal fresh produce for the “Green Gifts” food distribution and Abiquiu Farmer’s Market, as well as to send home with youth.

The #planttheseed initiative, based on an idea from the youth, supplied NYP and food distribution youth with seeds, soil, & small planters in order to empower them to grow their own food. We also have tutorial youtube videos on planting, composting, & general garden nurturing. These videos are online and we are using social media to make them available to the youth and the greater community.

Leadership

 Northern Youth Project is a part of a larger Northern New Mexico Emergency Food Network Coalition: a collective created by local nonprofits to support families in need of food during this time. NYP has focussed on providing healthy local produce to  youth in our area at Abiquiu Elementary & Jemez Mountain Schools. The NYP “Green Gifts” Distribution Team, aggregates produce from local farmers & the NYP garden to pack food boxes for families every week. NYP youth share gardening tips, recipes, & the NYP Weekly Art Challenge which is compiled into a weekly newsletter to connect with youth in quarantine.