LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — On Thursday, kids got their hands dirty as they learned about what helps each plant grow and thrive at Evergreen, a plant shop in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
The plants are not the only things growing here. So are the horizons of children at Camp Sight, a two-week day camp for blind or visually impaired kids.
"The friendships that develop and being able to have someone that they can relate to that's going through some of the same challenges is just invaluable for some of these kids," said Amy Feldman, Development at Northeast Sight Services Director.
The plants serve as a symbol for the kids of not only the skills they've grown over the years, but the friendships as well.
"Well, I really gotta say that a lot of these friendships I've had for a long, long time. For some of them, even it's my tenth year here with them, and they mean the world to me. I would drop to come here in the beat of a heartbeat for them," said Lily Morgan of Hazleton,
Friendships that need the same care and cultivation as their new plants.
"This is not the first time we've done this. I feel like my mom is going to be like, 'stop bringing back plants,'" said Harrison Colcs of Wilkes-Barre.
But just like his plants at home, Harrison Colcs says the friendships he has formed from camp sight are still budding.
"Well, as Lily said, I have been friends with her and Christina for about 10 years now; this is our 10-year anniversary, and they mean the world to me."
A testament that with the right care, nothing can stop growth.