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Click on each of the stories bellow to see the photos.

06/27/04 - Participants joined forces with the youngsters of Motivating America's Youth, a partner of Service for Peace. Together they created gifts to give away and sell as a way to fundraise in support of underprivileged children. Participants took pride in their work, and their contribution for the sake of others.

'Dinner at Arashi Family Cuisine'

07/02/04 - Only the best for our participants! They were treated to an exciting hibachi dinner and celebration at Arashi Family Cuisine on the second-to-last day of the program. Participants relished in their comradry and the festive sights, sounds, and tastes of the experience -- all welcome rewards at the end of a week of service projects.

'Putting Up the Tents'

06/28/04 - Upon reaching Stone Mountain Park Lakeside Campground on the first day of the program, participants were presented with their first challenge -- building a campsite. They rose to the occasion beautifully and completed the task in less than an hour. Participants took away from the experience a stronger sense of teamwork and personal accomplishment.

'Fast Friends'

07/01/04 - One participant joined the Summer of Service after it had already started. After seeing the work that we were doing she quickly registered for the remaining programs. Because of the strong family atmosphere, it didn't take long for her to befriend all of the other participants. She made a special friendship in particular with one of our youngest volunteers.

'Poolside'

06/30/04 - Each day, participants had the opportunity to reward themselves after their service projects. Although the most popular amenity was the swimming pool, Stone Mountain Park offered participants free access to their theme park, waterslides, hiking trails, paddle boats, 4-D Theatre^TM, beach and sports facilities, and historical tourist attractions.

'Class Is In Session'

06/27/04 - "The most important part of the program was the leadership training aspect." said one program team leader, "Sure it's meant to be fun, but [participants] get a lot more out of it than just that. They're learning to be leaders in their own community." This year's leadership training sessions promise to be even more dynamic with introduction of a challenging team obstacle course.

'Saying Goodbye'

07/03/04 - On the last day of the program participants gathered to take final group pictures. "It was like seeing your family for the last time." said one participant, "We've been through so much together". Each participant had gained a sense of confidence in themselves and a feeling of being part of a bigger family. Participants still keep in touch and are anxiously awaiting the next program.

'Taking it to the Streets'

07/01/04 - One of the many challenges that participants faced in their leadership training was to develop self assurance. In one exercise participants were divided into smaller teams and challenged to fundraise on the streets of Atlanta using only word of mouth and an approach book. This team raised over $600 in the course of 1 hour.

'Up All Night'

07/01/04 - Participants worked sometimes late into the night to complete service projects. "It was a lot of hard work," said one participant, "but it was also a lot of fun. It felt good when it was done." Participants learned that there is always reward that comes from perseverance and hard work for a good cause.

'On Top of Stone Mountain'

07/02/04 - Participants began their day at 5:00 am. They battled the elements to make it to the top of Stone Mountain. Once they made it to the top there was time for reflection, goal setting and celebration. "You go up the mountain as one person, but you come down as a different person." said one participant, "It's really beautiful up there."

'Just Shootin' the Breeze'

06/29/04 - When they weren't doing service projects or leadership training exercises, participants took every opportunity they could to relax and have fun. As one participant put it, "It's summer after all. You've got to enjoy it while it lasts." Even in these moments of play a spirit of family and togetherness prevailed -- proving that the bonds of friendship and family forged through community service would last long after the summer program.

...more photos and stories added daily.