MARYSVILLE — The rain was coming down hard on the afternoon of Saturday, June 23, as more than 100 youth from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints laid down “beauty bark” and planted trees at the Strawberry Fields in Marysville, in an effort to create a walking path to the Off-Leash Dog Park.

Kids aged 14-18 years from Lake Stevens, Granite Falls and Marysville sang songs in the rain as they shoveled heaps of bark down a long trail.

“Nothing would get done if people didn’t pitch in,” said Ryan DuPape, 17. “If we don’t do it, how can we expect someone else to?”

The importance of serving others is one of the lessons the teens were taught during their two-day Youth Conference, that took place that same weekend. They’ve since set about putting those teachings into practice in the communities in which they live and attend church.

“It’s a good opportunity to be part of the community and to serve,” agreed Jessie Warner, 17. “I love to serve because it brings me happiness. I think it creates a good example to others in the community.”