Cumorah Academy helps young adults develop leadership skills through meaningful experiences. Service projects play an important role in that mission. They teach students to work together, serve others, and appreciate the effort behind everyday tasks.

A recent campus service project gave students the opportunity to care for their surroundings. They worked on the campus, the farm, and nearby community areas. Each group contributed time, effort, and teamwork to improve these shared spaces.

The experience also helped students build new friendships. Many students had only known one another for a few days. Working together gave them a chance to connect, discover their strengths, and support one another.

Why Service Projects Matter for Young Adults

When people think about leadership, they often imagine professional positions in companies or organizations. They may picture managers, business owners, or people leading large teams.

True leadership begins with a willingness to serve, take responsibility, and help others.

Cumorah Academy encourages students to develop this broader understanding of leadership. Our campus helps young adults recognize their potential and use their talents to make a positive difference.

Service projects provide a practical way to develop these qualities. Students learn to cooperate, solve problems, and complete tasks that benefit others. They also discover that even simple responsibilities can create meaningful results.

Taking care of a campus or farm may seem like ordinary work. Yet, these activities can teach valuable lessons about responsibility, gratitude, and teamwork.

How the Campus Service Project Started

The service project began on Saturday morning at approximately 10 a.m. Students worked until around 1 p.m. During those three hours, they divided into five groups.

Each group received a specific task on campus and in nearby areas. Some students worked at the pond, while others helped maintain the orchard. Another group improved the campus landscaping.

Two additional groups focused on restoring outdoor furniture. Their work helped improve the appearance of shared spaces and gave students a chance to practice practical skills.

Although the tasks differed, every group worked toward the same goal. They wanted to care for the places that support their daily lives at Cumorah Academy.

Students Care for Louňov Pond and the Orchard

One group worked at Louňov pond, which lies down the road from the campus. The area around the pond had become overgrown with weeds, grass, and young trees.

The students cleared part of the area around the pond. Their work helped improve the surroundings and made the space look cleaner.

Another group worked at the orchard nearby. Weeds, grass, and trees had grown along the fence. The students cleared these areas and improved the orchard’s overall appearance.

These tasks required physical effort and cooperation. Students needed to work together to manage the overgrown areas. Their work also helped them appreciate the time and energy required to care for natural spaces.

Improving the Campus Grounds

A third group focused on the campus grounds. The students used a mound of dirt to level uneven areas. They also cleaned up parts of the landscaping.

These changes helped create a fresher, more organized appearance across campus. The students could see the results of their work as they improved the area.

The project also reminded them that a welcoming environment requires ongoing care. Everyone who lives and studies at Cumorah Academy contributes to the campus experience.

Restoring Outdoor Benches, Chairs, and Tables

Two groups worked on restoring outdoor furniture. Their tasks included sanding and re-staining benches, chairs, and tables.

First, the students sanded the furniture to prepare the surfaces. Then, they applied a new layer of stain to give the pieces a refreshed appearance.

This work required patience, attention to detail, and cooperation. Students needed to complete each step carefully to achieve a good result.

The restored furniture will continue to serve students and visitors on campus. Through this simple task, the groups helped preserve shared spaces and improve the campus environment.

Giving Back Through Service and Teamwork

Cumorah Academy regularly organizes community outreach projects. These activities allow students to serve people beyond the campus. However, this service project focused on caring for the farm and the academy grounds.

The project reminded students that service can begin in familiar places. The campus provides its home, classroom, and community during its session. Taking care of it shows gratitude for the opportunities they receive.

Service also creates opportunities for students to strengthen relationships and develop teamwork skills. Each group needed to cooperate and support its members. As students worked, they discovered more about one another and built new connections.

Elder Bowman, who serves as a senior missionary with his wife, shared his thoughts about the project.

“These projects focus on doing good work for the campus and the farm. We want to give back to Cumorah.”

His words capture the purpose of the activity. The students wanted to improve the places that contribute to their daily experience.

Students Share Their Service Project Experiences

The students also reflected on what they learned during the morning. Their experiences showed how service can create personal and meaningful moments.

Building New Friendships

Paulina Zavala, from Mexico, worked with the group that restored the outdoor chairs. She appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with her teammates.

“I got to collaborate with my other group members, and I feel really good because I didn’t get to talk to them much before this.”

She explained that the project helped her become closer to people she had only recently met. Working together gave her a natural opportunity to build friendships.

Value of Teamwork

Victor Mendez, from Brazil, worked with the group at Louňov pond. Although he found the task challenging, he enjoyed completing it with his new friends.

“I thought it was a hard job, but it was very nice to do it with my new friends.”

Victor also explained that the experience helped him learn more about his teammates. Working through a difficult task showed him the value of cooperation.

Bronco Zarate, from Argentina, helped clear weeds and improve the orchard area. He enjoyed watching his teammates contribute to the project.

“I liked being with my team and seeing how we get to work together.”

He also appreciated seeing everyone share responsibilities and work hard. The experience helped him recognize the importance of group effort.

Greater Appreciation for Nature

Eliane Farias, from Brazil, also worked at the orchard. Her experience helped her think more deeply about food, nature, and gratitude.

“We already have fruits and food ready for us here, so we don’t see the process.”

She explained that people often overlook the work required to grow and prepare food. Participating in the orchard project helped her appreciate that process more.

Eli also described feeling closer to God through her experience in nature.

“Nature is amazing; I felt connected and closer to God.”

Her reflection shows how service can encourage students to notice blessings in their everyday lives. It can also help them recognize the effort behind things they often take for granted.

Service Projects Set the Tone for the Session

The campus service project created a meaningful start to the students’ experience together. They improved shared spaces, supported the farm, and strengthened their relationships.

The activity also encouraged students to think about their personal responsibilities. Every contribution, regardless of its size, can help create a better community.

As the session continues, students will have more opportunities to use their talents in meaningful ways. Their experiences during this service project can encourage them to keep helping others.

Leadership grows when young adults choose to serve, take responsibility, and work together. At Cumorah Academy, service projects help students put these principles into practice.