Charleston - Children with Special Needs

Dear friends and family of Charleston ASB,

This morning had an early start for us as we had to travel about two hours to get to our volunteer site today. We spent the day at Adaptive Gardening of the Low Country helping children with special needs. When we first got there, we got a tour of the facilities. They have two donkeys, five chickens, and a lot of room for plant beds and growing. Our awesome host, Jodie, then explained the Adaptive Gardening program to us. Children with special needs of all ages come from the area weekly or bi-weekly to participate. There are a variety of disabilities ranging from physical to intellectual and mild to severe. The children are involved in all parts of gardening including preparing the gardens, planting the seeds, and helping them grow. There are also gardens for all sorts of special needs. There are sensory gardens, zen gardens, raised gardens, and many more to match what each child needs. Jodie explained that no matter what special need the child has, he will find something for them to do to help. He also teaches them about taking care of the animals on the farm. He told us that he wants to give these children skills to problem solve and to be independent. For the older children close to graduating this program serves as a way of learning skills that they may use in their future. Jodie then explained to us what exactly we would be doing for the day.



At 10 AM the children arrived and we got to work immediately. As they came through the door we greeted each one and took them out into the garden to work. Half were planting okra, rattlesnake beans, and spaghetti squash, while the rest began by weeding the different gardens. As we dodged the fire ants, we got to know the kids and got our hands dirty right along with them. Just before the rain started we made it onto the porch to hear from Jodie and learn about feeding the chickens. Shortly thereafter everyone’s attention spans waned, and the children went off again to school. Jodie kindly grilled up some burgers and brats, organically made from nearby, while we continued to work, moving new plants into larger pots. We finished Jodie’s work for the day and continued on.
Because of the torrential downpour happening outside, our campsite, being at sea level, would no longer be safe for us to sleep in. So we called up our church, grateful for their offer to host us. Bethel Methodist United opened their doors to us, and we split up to organize the move. Liz, Ayelen, and Kerry returned to assess the damage and save what they could from the flooded campsite. The campsite crew is now on their way back with soggy bags and tents. While the campsite may be flooded and some of our stuff a little wet, hopes are high and we are looking forward to an evening of more service in Charleston, South Carolina!

Stay tuned for more from the Charle-STUNNERS!!