The Ilmatsalu Youth Center has many small nooks and crannies filled with exciting games and materials. Over the years, however, these have quietly accumulated, fallen into oblivion, and created their own chaos. Last week, our brave heroes – the volunteers – arrived to bring order to the chaos that had reigned there until then. It was a week full of hustle and bustle, noise, and organization, but it was all for a noble cause. The work provided activities for the young people during the summer, and at the same time, the center's hidden treasures found their place in the sun again.
The day for the youth work camp participants started relatively early, well before the younger youth arrived at the center. After a short settling-in period and task distribution, they got to work. Some undertook cleaning and rearranging shelves, while others diligently cleaned carpets and window sills, or painted and weeded outdoors. During the work, several forgotten treasures were found – old sports equipment, crafting materials, and holiday decorations. Naturally, a lunch break was also held, where the young people could exchange impressions and relax in the sun in the center's yard.
At the end of the workday, they collectively looked back at what had been done – the rooms sparkled with cleanliness, materials were neatly organized, and the center's atmosphere immediately felt much more spacious and inviting. The contribution of the youth work camp participants was invaluable, as in addition to physical order, they also brought energy, joy, and an eager spirit.
Naturally, this also brought a fair amount of excitement, questions, and uncertainty among the younger visitors to the centre. Curious little noses peeked at what was happening, hesitated in the doorway, and asked if they were allowed to enter the room where the older ones were active. However, the benefits clearly outweigh any downsides of noise and chaos – playing in tidy rooms is much more enjoyable. Creativity starts flowing at light speed, and the eye rests on organized areas where previously one had to maneuver, humming the background music of an impossible mission, and remove items from shelves with Jenga-like precision.
True, there is still plenty of room for improvement, and we are slowly chipping away at the ice. But a big thank you goes to the youth work camp participants who once again helped us create breathing room and bring order.
Article: Krõõt Lõbus
