Overview: San Carlos Community Garden
What began as a Saturday School service project became something much more meaningful: a hands-on experience in teamwork, community connection, and environmental stewardship.
More than 25 students from Patrick Henry High School spent a recent Saturday giving back to the community at the San Carlos Community Garden through Patrick Henry’s Patriot Achievement and Student Success — or PASS —program.
What began as a Saturday School service project became something much more meaningful: a hands-on experience in teamwork, community connection, and environmental stewardship.
Organized through a collaboration between Patrick Henry High School science teacher Lara Dickens, counseling staff member Kyle Rascon, and SCCG board member Michael Land, the event gave students an opportunity to complete a positive, community-based alternative to traditional Saturday School while contributing to a treasured neighborhood resource.
“The PASS Saturday School event was an incredible opportunity for students to learn and give back to the community,” said Dickens. “When I asked the volunteers to share their experience, they said it was hard work, they broke a sweat, but they learned a lot and had fun.”
Guided by the SCCG board and other volunteers, students spent three hours working throughout the garden, mulching the grounds, composting in the orchard, weeding walkways, and assisting with landscaping the outer perimeter.
Their efforts supported SCCG’s mission of “Growing Community” by helping maintain a vibrant space dedicated to gardening, education, collaboration, and healing.
Engaging with one another and their environment
For Dickens, the day’s importance was evident not only in the work completed but in how the students engaged with one another and their environment.
“The event was such a success that we hope it will serve as a model for more Saturday School opportunities,” she said.
“Students miss school for many reasons. This gave them an option that felt good and made a difference. I saw a lot of smiles and students talking to each other. I didn’t see cell phones or earbuds. They were interacting with nature and each other.”
The experience also has tangible benefits for Patrick Henry High School. Student absences were cleared, and the school was able to recover lost attendance funding.
But perhaps the greatest outcome was the sense of discovery many students expressed after spending time inside the garden for the first time.
“Many of the students said they wanted to participate because they had heard about the garden but had never been inside the gates,” Dickens said. “Now they hope to attend other events — especially the yoga — and volunteer again. They couldn’t believe something this incredible was right in their neighborhood.”
Investing in local youth
For board member Michael Land, the day reflected the power of investing in local youth and creating opportunities for belonging.
“The SCCG is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with our local youth,” said Land. “When Mrs. Dickens reached out with this idea, we were excited to create an experience that would be meaningful for the students, beneficial to the garden, and give them an opportunity to discover a sense of belonging and accomplishment.”
Land said the students exceeded expectations.
“We thought we were giving the students something special to be a part of, but what transpired was that the students gave back to us,” he said. “They made a choice to show up for Saturday School, and they worked hard the entire time. They pushed and encouraged each other and worked together as a team. In the end, they gave back to the garden, to the community, and to each other.”
Reflecting on the day, Land added, “Seeing these kids work so hard, and with such heart, gave me a sense of peace knowing that these young people will be caring for and growing our communities in the future.”
