Volunteers carve earthen steps on Nature Trail.

Two years ago Sojourners added another day of service to its organizational calendar.  Usually held early in autumn, the “Sweat and Serve” projects are a way to bring staff,  participants, and volunteers together on projects that are both fun and of lasting value to the community.

In 2005, Sojourners staff, participants and 30 volunteers from the Athens community finished The Ridges Cemeteries Nature Walk, a project which two programs of Sojourners, the Ohio Outback Conservation Corps and Youthbuild of Southeast Ohio, had been constructing for several weeks.  The Nature Walk links the three cemeteries on the old Athens Mental Health Center grounds, now known as The Ridges.

Outbackers demonstrate deep water rescue.

In 2006 and 2007, Sojourners staff and participants assisted the Ohio Outback Conservation Corps in a water safety awareness project during the Outdoor Adventure Show at Hocking College.  “Sojo Splash” featured canoe safety demonstrations and free canoe trips on the Hocking River.