a growing food movement
Bethesda Academy Farm Program: growing tomorrow’s leaders
by LeeAnna Tatum
Bethesda Academy has a long history of growing food as an integrated aspect of life on the beautiful campus located just outside of Savannah on the banks of Moon River. Originally founded in 1740 as an orphanage, it has transitioned over the years and is currently a school for boys from middle through high school. The campus hosts both borders and day school attendees. Deeply rooted in its nearly 300 year history, the Academy continues Rev. George Whitefield’s founding mission centered around a love of God, a love of learning, and a strong work ethic. Merrin Slocombe, Director of the farm and garden program at Bethesda likes to introduce students to the program at the place where it all got started all those years ago. It’s a spot where Whitefield first stepped foot on the ground he instantly knew would be the right place for his orphanage. “We have this intimate connection with this space here,” Slocombe said. “This is sort of the betwixt (con tinued on page 36)
ISSUE ~3 ~ 2018
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