Petersburg Is Growing
The Oasis Youth Farm — gateway to all Pathways

Our Pathways

Every door into The Oasis.

Melanin Magic School, FUNctions on the Farm, Many Hands 4 Light Work, and the Oasis Emerging Leaders Advisory Board — a focused launch set where volunteerism evolves into profession.

Make an impact investment →FUNctions on the Farm
Little Lights browsing books at a literacy event in the farm greenhouse

Pathway 1 · Grown by youth · Rooted in Petersburg · Ages 5–12

Melanin Magic School

Our flagship youth experience for ages 5–12 — an immersive, farm-based journey of food, wellness, culture, and leadership where Little Lights grow and prepare healthy food, move their bodies on the land, and connect to their heritage.

Seasonal intensives over Spring Break and Summer. Every seat is Pay What You Can — families contribute what they can, sponsors and grants cover the rest, and no child is ever turned away.

  • Every day opens with B.A.G. & Libations — breathwork, affirmation, gratitude
  • Farm chores, an adopted garden bed, and regenerative-agriculture learning
  • Forest bathing, plant-based communal meals, art, financial literacy, and chess
  • Weekly trip to Washington, DC — and Earn to Learn stipends along the way
Melanin Magic School details →
Growers shelling beans together during a hands-on FUNction on the farm

Pathway 2 · Farm Experiences · 9 FUNctions

FUNctions on the Farm

Where a young person's journey begins — nine hands-on farm experiences across three Journeys at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm. Book one, or work toward all nine.

Each FUNction is a two-hour experience for up to 11 growers, $25 per grower, and every one opens with B.A.G. & Libations. Complete all nine and earn a scholarship to Melanin Magic School.

  • Nine FUNctions across three Journeys
  • Complete all nine and earn a Melanin Magic School scholarship
  • School to Farm, Farm to School, and Youth Farm Tours
  • Stackable Village Discounts for Petersburg residents
Explore FUNctions on the Farm →
Neighbors of every age working the beds together on a Many Hands Saturday

Pathway 3 · Together, we grow · Together, we serve

Many Hands 4 Light Work

Our volunteer engine and community front door — every Saturday, neighbors of every age come to the Oasis Youth Farm to serve, learn, and build together.

Farm chores, workshops, traveling farm trips to partner farms, and — in the winter months — mutual-aid drives that keep our community's pantries, fridge, and free libraries full. No experience needed; just bring your hands and your heart.

  • Every Saturday at the Oasis Youth Farm
  • Farm chores, workshops, and traveling farm trips to partner farms
  • Winter mutual-aid drives — pantries, fridge, and free libraries
  • Log volunteer hours and earn the Light Worker Discount
Volunteer with us →
An emerging leader practicing compassionate animal care at the Oasis Youth Farm

Pathway 4 · Youth Governance · Ages 13–24

Oasis Emerging Leaders Advisory Board

Young people don't just have a voice here. They have a vote. A youth governance body of young people who came up through our Pathways and now help lead them.

Board members hold a formal seat shaping the direction of Petersburg Is Growing — reviewing our work, surfacing what young people are really experiencing, and helping decide what we do next.

  • A formal seat — and a real vote — in P.I.G. governance
  • Review the work and surface what young people experience
  • Learn governance, accountability, and real responsibility
  • Pipeline to the Oasis Flow Fund Circle (launching 2027 cohort)
Advisory Board & pipeline →