Kids Put Down Their Smartphones to Mow 50 Lawns, And Feel Great About It
Rodney Smith Jr's goal is to show Vermont kids the profound satisfaction that comes from helping a neighbor, one lawn at a time.
In an age where the glow of a smartphone often seems more appealing than the summer sun, a nationwide movement is inspiring kids to trade virtual worlds for real-world work. Here in Vermont, where community and a hard day's work are cherished values, this message is finding fertile ground. The man behind the movement, Rodney Smith Jr., arrived in Thetford Center this week, not just with a lawnmower, but with a powerful challenge for our state's youth.
As he posted to his vast social media following on Thursday, "Vermont! It’s great to be back! I'm headed to Thetford Center, VT. In the morning I will visit three schools and their Pre-K classes for an epic bubble mowing day! 70 kids in total!!" His goal is to show Vermont kids the profound satisfaction that comes from helping a neighbor, one lawn at a time.
A Divine Appointment
The nationwide movement began with a simple act of kindness in 2015. According to his foundation’s website and multiple interviews, Smith, then a computer science student in Alabama, saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn. He felt compelled to stop and help. That single encounter, which Smith has often referred to as a "divine appointment," sparked a powerful idea. He realized that a simple task he could perform easily was a significant burden for others.
He initially set a personal goal to mow 40 lawns for free. After reaching that, he upped it to 100. As news of his free service spread, so did the demand. He knew he couldn't do it alone. This realization was the seed from which his foundation grew, aiming to enlist young people to answer the call of service in their own communities.
The 50-Yard Challenge
At the heart of Smith's mission is the 50-Yard Challenge. It’s a straightforward, yet brilliant, concept designed to engage and motivate youth. According to the foundation, children, both boys and girls, who accept the challenge are asked to mow 50 lawns for free for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans in their communities.
The program is structured like a game to keep kids engaged. When a child signs up, they receive a white "Raising Men" or "Raising Women" t-shirt and a set of safety glasses and earplugs. For every 10 lawns they mow, they earn a new, different colored t-shirt, working their way up through orange, green, blue, and finally, a black t-shirt for completing all 50.
But the ultimate prize is more than just a shirt. As stated by the foundation, for every child who completes the 50-yard challenge, Smith and his sponsors will travel to them and gift them a brand-new lawnmower, weed eater, and blower, empowering them to continue their service. Initially named "Raising Men Lawn Care," Smith quickly saw the need for inclusivity, establishing the "Raising Women" branch to encourage more girls to join. The move, he has noted, has been a resounding success.
More Than Just Mowing: The Underreported Lesson
While the free yard work is a lifeline for many, the program's deeper impact is on the kids holding the handles. In a culture often criticized for youth disengagement, Smith has found a way to teach profound lessons that are frequently underreported in stories about his work. This isn't just about free labor; it's a hands-on curriculum in responsibility, empathy, and community.
Participants learn to communicate with adults, manage their time, and take pride in a job well done. The stories shared on the foundation’s social media are a testament to this, with parents reporting a noticeable increase in their children's confidence and sense of purpose.
His latest initiative, the "bubble mowing days" like the one in Thetford Center, targets an even younger audience. Pre-K students armed with bubble mowers get an early, joyful introduction to the idea of service. While no grass is cut, a seed of community spirit is planted. According to Smith, the goal is to show kids from the earliest age that they can have a positive impact on the world around them.
A Mission Without Borders
To date, the movement has enlisted over 5,000 kids worldwide, from the U.S. and Canada to Australia and beyond. Smith himself lives a nomadic life, traveling the country in a Ford Edge packed with mowing equipment, often sleeping in his car or relying on the kindness of strangers to fulfill his mission. He has chronicled his journey in several children's books, aiming to spread the message of service far and wide.
For Vermonters inspired by his visit, getting involved is simple. Parents can visit weareraisingmen.com to sign up their children for the 50-Yard Challenge. And while Smith is focused on inspiring youth, his story serves as a powerful reminder to all of us in the Green Mountain State that a small act of service can grow into something truly transformative.