Youth volunteers help beautify UNCW campus

Normally, the UNCW Landscaping Department has a staff of about 40 that help keep the campus looking great. Friday, that number grew by more than 200.

Youth volunteers worked in the hot sun Friday morning spreading bales of pine straw around campus buildings and dorms. More than 270 teenagers and 50 adult volunteers were on hand for the beautification effort. The day was part of a youth conference designed to encourage teens to never give up.

“It's been so great. It is just a delight to see all of the youth and see them in their blue shirts,” said UNCW Director of Student Life Assessment Dr. Nathan Lindsay. “It's like an army of great workers, doing a good cause here. Making the campus prettier, if that's possible; it's a gorgeous campus. >

The campers accomplished in two hours what would normally take as long as a month and a half.

The event is one of many youth conferences presented each year by the Wilmington area church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.