Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
WAITSBURG - Rural Youth Enrichment Services supports a wide variety of enriching activities for youth in the Touchet Valley. Eight RYES projects are run by volunteers from the areas the community serves.
Waitsburg Urban Forestry is one of RYSE's OG projects and is run by Allison Bond.
It was founded in 2009 by Leroy Cunningham, Kathy Carpenter, Sarah Groffman, Ane Walsh, and Mickey Richards to provide activities for youth who weren't finding their place in their schools or community. Due to reduced funding to Waitsburg Schools, RYES has brought in several new projects once run by the schools.
On Sunday, August 30, RYES is hosting its Rhythm and Fun Festival at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to play games, listen to live music, and most importantly, meet the local volunteer project leaders.
This family event is only $10 and includes plenty of activities and a meal. The RYES project leaders and volunteers have created the activities and booths for each project. There will be a String Potluck, where visitors can play instruments hosted by TVAMP; a Tackle the Obstacle Course, run by Youth Football, and Capitol Snowcones made by Youth & Government volunteers.
RYES is committed to developing life-long interests and leadership skills, creating a cycle of mentoring and community service. Projects may include the sciences, the arts, technology, entrepreneurial business skills, agriculture, and recreational activities.
Festival activities:
• TVAMP Touchy Valley Accoustic Music Proect: String Potluck
Kate Hockersmith leads Touchet Valley Accoustic Music Project, offering free bluegrass music lessons, instrument library, and a traveling weekly bluegrass jam.
• Youth Football: Tackle the Obstacle Course
Gabe Kiefel is project leader for the Waitsburg Youth Football project.
• Little Dribblers and Youth Basketball: Hoops–Take Your Best Shot
Chelsie Abel heads up the Little Dribblers of the Touchet Valley.
• Friends of the Fairgrounds: Plinko, Ring Toss, and Barrel Racing games
Wendy Richards is the chair of Friends of the Fairgrounds.
• Youth & Government: Capitol Snow Cones
The project leader for Youth & Government is TBD, perhaps one of "The Times" readers would like to volunteer.
• Friends of the Pool: Dive into Bingo and Silent Auction
Wendy Carter and Karen Huwe are the project leaders for the Friends of the Pool.
• Little Spikers: Spiking Hot Popcorn
Abby Grende leads the Waitsburg Youth Basketball project.
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