On April 21, the youth will replant, repair, refine and enrich parts of Leavenworth, Basehor, McLouth and Tonganoxie. The project, which includes activities at five sites and up to 250 youth participants, was proposed and planned by Leavenworth County 4-Hers, said the county’s 4-H agent, Beth Hecht.

"Youth are overseeing the entire project, managing each of the sites and developing the programs," she said. "The site managers are responsible for planning the project, meeting a budget and making sure all the details are taken care of, from ordering supplies to feeding the volunteers. Adults will be there to oversee the activity, but the youth are running the show."

The project is funded in part by a $9,950 grant from the Kauffmann Foundation. The group received the funding through a grant proposal written by the youth leaders.

"We have been interested in doing something like this, but maybe not to this scale," Hecht said. "Thanks to the grant, we were able to step up the efforts."

The day-long activities begin with a National Youth Service Day rally in Kansas City, sponsored by the Kauffmann Foundation. Activities at five sites will begin around 10:30 a.m.

* In Leavenworth, youth will help reestablish an urban 4-H garden closer to the school. This involves tilling, replanting, planning and much more. The tasks at this site will include assisting the Youth Achievement Center.

* Youth will be visiting the Veterans Affairs Medical Center nursing home in Leavenworth, bringing care packages and offering games and activities to residents.

* In Basehor, youth are teaming up with the Basehor PRIDE organization to beautify the community. Participants in Basehor will be picking up trash, planting flowers and cleaning up the community.

* A park near the McLouth football field is getting a face lift as part of the day’s activities. Youth at that site will be painting and cleaning the park.

* One of the bigger projects of the day is aimed at Leavenworth County Fairgrounds in Tonganoxie. The youth plan to repair some of the damage done by last year’s tornado. The project includes planting trees and shrubs and repairing the fairground facilities.

In addition to learning how to physically accomplish these goals, Hecht said this project has also taught youth about planning a large-scale activity.

"We may not change the world in one day, but this event will hopefully show youth the importance of being involved and helping to make their community a better place to live," she said. "The kids involved in this project are saying, ‘I can make a difference by myself, but I can make an even bigger difference by getting others involved.’ They are learning how to take responsibility and make that difference."

Hecht encourages parents of participants to roll up their sleeves and give a hand, as well.

"We encourage families to come out with their kids, help them plant the trees or build the planter boxes. It’s a chance for positive bonding between adults and youth, and it may give adults a new sense of reassurance about the youth."

Persons interested in participating in the activities can contact Hecht at 913-250-2300.