NARROWSBURG, NY — We started this project as a little experiment to see the creativity of the kids. 

We started with the little acorn people, which evolved into cars, buildings, houses and factories. Then we realized we had a town. It took us a couple of months, working together, to build the whole thing. 

My favorite thing about this project was watching my friends create their village and to see the interactions between the characters. I learned that you need a team to create something amazing. This diorama became a dream town for me and my friends. 

During the exhibition at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, I spoke to some of the kids who made the diorama. Hayato, 5, said his favorite part was the sea creatures. Mason, 11, made the tombstones in the village, which everyone loved. He said, “My favorite thing about building it was having a good time with my friends.”

I learned that “teamwork is dream work,” and you always need a team to make something incredible. I want to keep creating projects with my friends at the Tusten Youth Club. My friends are my community. 

Jack Gallagher, 10, was part of the Acorn Village project.