“I think it’s important for these kids to get the opportunity to learn different life skills, while also teaching them about God’s love for them,” commented Alyssa Wagner, the summer youth coordinator from the Winamac First United Methodist Church.

Started in 2017 primarily as a nutrition program with a Christian base, Warrior Up has expanded to include valuable life lessons that the children and youth can use at home.   For example, a garden was planted in early spring and some of the students helped plant, water, and weed the garden as well as harvest the crops, such as cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes.  

The vegetables were then used in future lunches at Warrior Up and also sent home for future use. Students could also learn a variety of cooking skills, making simple sandwiches, casseroles, and desserts.  Recipes for these dishes and the ingredients to make them were sent home with the cooking students later in the week, along with the ingredients needed to make the dish at home. The program has a history of teaching the participants to grow and cook healthy food and that continued this summer as well.

This year, the youth could also choose to make and paint a simple woodworking project, sew a pillow cover or pillowcase for Riley, make a title page and/or greeting card on the computer, and learn more about nature, such as birds, plants, and trees. Physical fitness, games, and crafts were also part of the program.

As one can imagine, a lot of volunteers are needed to keep this June through July program on Monday, Wednesday, Friday running smoothly. More than 45 community volunteers have been involved with purchasing supplies, planning and preparing lunches, packing “buddy bags” with food sent home on Fridays, teaching and helping with various activities and ‘classes’ at the public library and at the church and a variety of other tasks.

Most of the activities took place at the Pulaski County Public Library. The Methodist Church oversees the program with the assistance of the community volunteers, including individuals and representatives from community organizations.

Financially supported by grants, monetary and in-kind donations from many area sponsors, individuals and other churches, Warrior Up for Jesus 2019, wrapped up on Friday, Aug. 2.  

Anyone interested in finding out more about Warrior Up for Jesus can contact the Winamac First United Methodist Church at 946-4971.