I arrived at this service event late, but when I walked up to the West End train station, it was clear that the combination of sun, coloring, and music made the atmosphere. We worked with some kids to make newspaper pots, which brought out my inner child as well. We colored together, and it was lovely to just appreciate being outside. I did not care about getting my hands and clothes dirty, which was very freeing. It had been a minute since I had been in such a kid-friendly and centered space, and I enjoyed the extent to which the kids had agency to plant, water, and take care of the garden. Most of them were really engaged, which reminded me of the excitement of creation that nature can provide. I worked with two girls in particular, and as they got into gardening, they let go of a lot of their squeamishness about dirt. It is easy for girls to be pushed out of nature spaces because we’re often told things like dirt and sun are not for us. It was great to see young girls so enthusiastic about connecting to the land in this way and not worrying about “getting darker” or “being dirty.” It would have been nice to be able to stay the whole time and engage more with the parents at the event. Angel was able to speak to and garden with some of the adults present, and I think that would have been a cool experience to have as well.