What does it take to keep Atlanta safe, clean and moving every day? This summer, about 150 young Atlantans got to find out for themselves.
The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, welcomed approximately 150 Camp Best Friends participants ages 5-12 to the second annual Touch-a-Truck Youth Outreach Initiative at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center.
The July 22 event gave young people an opportunity to climb aboard vehicles they may normally only see passing through their neighborhoods, meet the people who operate them and learn more about the work happening behind the scenes across Atlanta.
More Than Just Big Trucks
Participants explored vehicles and equipment while meeting representatives from the Atlanta Department of Transportation, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Atlanta Police Department and Department of Public Works, along with partners from Emory and MARTA.
Instead of simply watching a fire truck, police vehicle or specialized City equipment go by, children could get a closer look, ask questions and hear directly from the professionals who use them.
Those conversations also introduced young Atlantans to something they might not always associate with the vehicles they see around town: future careers.
From transportation and public safety to sanitation and other essential services, Touch-a-Truck helped show participants just how many people and professions it takes to keep a city running.
Learning — With a Little Summer Fun
The afternoon wasn’t all trucks.
Youth tested their recycling knowledge with Know What to Throw, an interactive activity that challenged them to decide what belongs in the trash and what can be recycled.
There were also old-school sack races, prizes and plenty of cheering, while Kona Ice of Cascade Springs, Cool Charlie’s and EventSpice helped everyone cool down with frozen treats.
Investing in Atlanta’s Next Generation
Touch-a-Truck is part of Public Works’ broader youth education and community engagement efforts and supported Mayor Andre Dickens’ Year of the Youth initiative.
The experience also built on the work of Camp Best Friends, which provides Atlanta youth with opportunities to learn, play, explore and build new experiences throughout the summer.
For the approximately 150 children who participated, the day offered more than a chance to sit inside a big truck. It gave them a better understanding of how their city works, introduced them to the people serving their communities and, perhaps, helped a few begin imagining themselves doing that work one day.
One truck, one conversation and one new possibility at a time.
