A local rite of spring, Celebrate Service… Celebrate Yates, saw Keuka College students, faculty, and staff join scores of local volunteers in a day of community building – both literally and figuratively.
Nealy 150 participants fanned out to some 20 locations throughout the county on Sunday, April 27, for a day of cleaning, painting, planting, raking, and completing improvement projects at youth camps, churches, cemeteries, and community centers.
“Celebrate Service… Celebrate Yates gives Keuka College students, faculty, and staff a chance to step off campus and make a real difference in the community,” said Kathy Waye, the College’s director of Field Period® Program and Community Relations. “It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn new things, meet great people, and give back. Together, we’re building stronger connections and a better Yates County!”
The countywide day of service, organized by Keuka College and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce and now in its 26th year, kicked off with a pre-workday brunch on the College campus.
Volunteers prepare the Penn Yan Community Garden for planting seasons during CSCY.
“I love the fact that this many people are willing to give back every year,” College President Amy Storey told the volunteers. “This partnership between Keuka College and the Chamber is one of the most unique aspects of our county.”
Among the work sites was the New York State Sheriff’s Summer Camp on the shore of Keuka Lake about six miles south of Keuka College. There, Adolescent English Education major Jordan Nichols and some of her friends – CSCY veterans – readied the camp for the 2025 summer season.
Keuka College Adolescent English Education major Jordan Nichols joined some friends in preparing the Yates County Sheriff’s camp for summer visitors during Celebrate Service… Celebrate Yates. Pictured are, front row from left: Alexis Dodge, Anna Dewey, Alexis McGregor, and Jordan Nichols; and, back from left, Emma Mantione and Hanna Smith.
“Volunteering at Celebrate Yates is always a rewarding experience for our team,” said Jordan, a senior. “Each year, we look forward to more ways we can contribute to our community. This year, the Yates County Sheriff’s camp was very welcoming as we cleaned the area for incoming campers. It was a rewarding day that allowed us to build connections and give back to the community.”
The day was “a huge success,” said co-organizer Tim White, the College’s director of Community Standards & Student Intervention.
“We’ve already heard back from three work sites,” he said. “They shared how appreciative they were of the volunteers and that they are already looking forward to next year!”
