Children’s Garden Program:
Growing Gardens, Growing Minds
The Children’s Garden is a summer program designed by Jackson County Master Gardener volunteers as an introduction of the fun of gardening for young people. We began in 2001 with 24 youngsters 5 to 8 years old and have grown to a maximum of 72 young gardeners in two programs with the original one for 5-8 year olds and an advanced program for 9-13 year olds. To accommodate families with members in both age ranges, each program is available in both classes which meet on alternate weeks beginning in June for a total of 6 sessions for each class during the summer.
Junior mentors join the groups now. These are youngsters who are older than 12 and still wish to participate in the program as mentors for the younger children.
Small groups of no more than six children are led by a Master Gardener group leader at each session. Family members are encouraged to participate by assisting with activities. The extra hands have made it possible to include more youngsters.
We also focus on safety in the garden, sharing and working as a group, and recycling and caring for the earth while exploring the wonder and fun of gardening. We try to encourage enthusiasm about growing things, which can lead to a lifelong hobby offering so many rewards. We like to think we are growing gardeners!
If you have participated in the program in the past or signed up on our waiting list, you will receive an email about March 1, 2020 inviting you to register for the class. Included in the email will be a registration form, a photo release and a schedule of the classes. The classes are filled on a first come first served basis. When a completed registration form, the photo release and the fee are received, your child is in the program. Last year, we were full by the middle of April.
OSU Extension Center
Children’s Garden
569 Hanley Road
Central Point, OR 97502
For more information, contact Patches at 541-857-0357 or robertaheinz1@msn.com
| Children’s Garden Classes – 2020 | |
| Class 1 | Class 2 |
| June 18th | June 25th |
| July 2nd | July 9th |
| July 16th | July 23rd |
| July 30th | August 6th |
| August 13th | August 13th |
| August 2oth (Harvest Party 10am) | August 2oth (Harvest Party 10am) |
Oregon State University Extension
