KEY+ Group: The Krispie Kremers
The Journey of the Krispie Kremers
After meals out, theatre trips, and even a visit to Parliament, you might expect The Krispie Kremers to be winding down. But this group is just getting started.
Now in Stage 3 of their KEY+ journey, The Krispie Kremers have shifted their focus from exploring the world to changing the one around them. Their final project is all about leaving something behind that lasts, transforming an unused outdoor space at Gladstone Terrace into a thriving community garden.
The idea is simple, but powerful – to create a shared outdoor area that not only looks great but grows food, herbs and opportunities. The garden will be bused by various groups who access the centre, and the product they grow will be donated to local Holiday Activities and Food programmes, supporting children and families who need it most.
Creating a Community Garden
The Krispie Kremers said it feels really good to be creating something that other people can benefit from because “you’re doing something that’s bigger than just yourself [...] and it’s also a really good social opportunity because you’re going to meet new people.” “And it’s just been really exciting to see what it might look like when it’s finished and to have people to come and see it.”
Choosing to create a garden space was a deliberate decision “everyone’s going to use it once it’s done […] it’s going to have a continuous benefit.”
But this project isn’t just about paint, plants and compost. It’s about ownership, planning, and real-world responsibility. The group are doing everything themselves, from calculating materials and costs, to assessing health and safety risks, managing manual labour tasks, and making sure everything is accessible and inclusive. These are the valuable life skills in action: manual work, teamwork, risk assessments, budgeting, project planning and communication.
One member of the group reflected that they’re proud of: “how well we’ve managed to work as a team because it’s a lot. Everyone’s helped with [the project] and the communication’s been really good between us [for] dividing up the jobs and stuff.” Another added, “And just communicating it and working together because we’ve done a lot so far with clearing up all the weeds and litter picking and everything.”
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, the project has had its challenges such as “getting a plan together” and “figuring out where to start.” The learning curve included understanding gardening terms and knowing how to garden! This had made the process eye-opening for the group as they became surprised about “how many weeds can grow in one place” and “how much preparation and time it takes before you can actually put all the fun stuff in and lay the foundations.”
But the group is motivated by the benefits the garden will bring as they plan to donate the food they grow to help children and families who need it most. The group will be growing herbs, potatoes, strawberries and much more.
They’re also excited about the biodiversity that the garden will encourage: “It means that we’ll have a lot more wildlife as well because there will be bees and butterflies and stuff.”
The front of the building will also have a Herb Hub where people can take herbs for free and choose to have them fresh or dry them for tea bags. The group said that the idea of Herb Hub is that it benefits memory and well-being.
Learning Life Skills
When asked about the skills they’ve developed, a participant said simply, “Gardening.”
But it’s more than that, with one adding “Probably problem solving [… it’s] not exactly a new skill but it’s one that’s definitely developed because when we’ve encountered complications with maybe like we’ve had an idea to do something and it turns out we couldn’t do it […] then you’ve got to figure out what can we do with the space.”
The group also see this experience as valuable for other parts of their lives too: “we’ve learned a lot of skills like researching…” and “it’s been helpful learning how to work effectively and efficiently as a team.”
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the group is eager to see the garden in full bloom and the community come together: “I reckon when the [garden’s] done, the first big thing that should be done once that’s all set up is just a big community event. A big community meal.”
Overall, the group have enjoyed the opportunities that the KEY+ Challenge has given them and the fact that they get to help other people: “we’re just a bunch of teenagers doing some gardening but it’s going to have a big impact.”
Their advice to other young people starting the KEY+ Challenge? “Pick a project that you’re passionate about” and “Bond with the people you’re working with because teamwork makes the dream work.”
Their journey through KEY+ has taken them from inspecting HAF projects and dreaming of Nando’s, to standing in Parliament, and now, to literally digging in to create change at ground level. And with every seed planted and pot painted, they’re not just growing vegetables, they’re growing confidence, purpose, and a deeper sense of what they’re capable of. This is what Stage 3 is all about!
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The Key