At FourFront, we believe in the power of giving back. That’s why every year, we set aside a day for our team to come together and make a difference in our communities. This year’s volunteer day was no exception, bringing our remote team together in ways that went beyond our usual digital interactions.
Sweet Potato Harvest at Pennypack Farm
Although the FourFront team is now fully remote, much of our team is still located in the Philadelphia, PA area.
Those of us in the Philly contingent gathered at Pennypack Farm, trading in laptops and spreadsheets for gardening gloves and trowels. Our mission? Harvesting sweet potatoes.
As we dug into the earth, we discovered a world of variety beneath the soil. From fingerling potatoes that looked uncannily like their namesake to hefty spuds that sparked friendly competition for the “biggest potato” title, the harvest was both educational and entertaining. Farm work brought our team together in a unique way, fostering connections that are sometimes challenging to build in a remote work environment.
After a morning on the farm, the Philadelphia group headed to a nearby park for some team-building exercises. We navigated blindfolded mazes, attempted yoga poses, and solved puzzles together – all while enjoying the autumn sunshine and each other’s company. These activities not only provided a fun counterpoint to the morning’s physical labor but also allowed us to flex our problem-solving skills in a new context.
Remote Volunteering: Making a Difference in Communities Around the Country
For those of us who were unable to travel to Philadelphia, the spirit of volunteerism spread across the country.
From local litter cleanups in New England to food bank assistance on the West Coast, we demonstrated that distance is no barrier to making a positive impact.
Kait, a teammate based in California shared, “I spent a few hours chatting with other volunteers and getting to know them. It was a really cool opportunity to feel connected to my community and give back to those who need it most.”
The Value of Coming Together
For our largely remote team, spending a day together – whether in person or through parallel volunteer efforts – offered a unique opportunity to connect beyond our usual video calls and chat messages.
As Kim reflected, “As a remote company, spending time together feels valuable in a way it didn’t before.”
We returned to our desks the next day with soil under our nails, sore muscles, and a renewed sense of camaraderie.
This shared experience of giving back to our communities has strengthened our bonds as a team and reinforced our commitment to making a positive impact, both through our work and our community involvement.
At FourFront, we’re proud of our team’s enthusiasm for making a difference. Our annual volunteer day serves as a reminder of the power of coming together and the impact we can have when we step out from behind our screens and into our communities.
