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Yarmouth Community Garden Explorer ProgramChildren learn about the cycle of life in our beautiful organic garden through active games, art projects, songs, stories and digging in the dirt. Weekly classes are offered for children ages 4–9 from July 1 – August 19 (see details below), during which time they'll plant, grow, and harvest their own produce. Parents will be amazed at what kids will eat when they grow it themselves! On-line registration for this program begins April 8 on the Yarmouth Community Services website. See page 20 in the YCS spring/summer program guide (PDF download). Don't delay — these popular low-cost programs fill up fast! Thursdays, July 1 – August 19
Lend a HandTo keep costs down and support YCG's community service mission, we ask each participatiing family to volunteer three hours in the Children's Garden any time during the growing season. Questions?Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section (to the right). If that doesn't answer your question, call Christine Slader 846-6257, Amy Sinclair 329-7735, or Yarmouth Community Services 846-2406. |
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO THE GARDEN? Please bring a water bottle, a small snack, a hat, and clothes that look good with dirt. Please pre-apply sun screen and bug spray. (We'll have extra at the garden, too.) SHOULD MY CHILD SIGN UP FOR 4 OR 8 WEEKS? We recommend signing up for 8 weeks, even if you know they may miss a class or two. That way, they’ll have the full experience of eating something they've planted, cared for, and harvested. It’s also fun to watch the garden grow. WHAT IF WE CAN’T AFFORD CAMP THIS SUMMER? No problem. Just ask YCS about our scholarship program, or email Christine Slader or Amy Sinclair for more information. WHAT’S THIS I HEAR ABOUT ASKING GARDEN EXPLORER FAMILIES TO VOLUNTEER IN THE GARDEN THIS SUMMER? Yes. It’s true. We need just a little of your time and talent to help us care for the garden. By asking participating families to donate 3 hours (that’s per family, not per person) we can keep up the garden and keep the program cost down. Asking for “service hours” also reinforces the community building mission of the garden. Please don’t be intimidated if you’re not a gardener. We’ll have knowledgeable volunteers on hand on scheduled work days to guide you and pour the lemonade. IF I SIGN MY CHILD UP FOR A ROOTS AND/OR SHOOTS CLASS, DOES SHE ALSO NEED TO RENT A MINI PLOT? No. But if she’s an eager gardener, she may want to “own” her own plot. Kids just love having their own flowers and veggies. We usually have extra seeds and seedlings to help get them started. IS THERE A BATHROOM AT THE GARDEN? Yes. It’s not fancy, but there’s a portapotty. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ALLERGIC TO BEES OR OTHER INSECTS? Like all healthy gardens, ours is buzzing with bees. We even have a nearby hive that’s tended by local beekeeper Tom Delaney. The kids and bees coexist just fine, but PLEASE, if your child is allergic, let us know. Make sure your child has an epi-pen and knows how to use it. If your child has other medical issues, please let us know. AM I EXPECTED TO STAY FOR CLASS WITH MY CHILD? No. You can drop her off, or you’re very welcome to stay and help. Both teachers are looking for volunteers to help on a regular basis. Please contact Christine or Amy if you’ve got a little time to give. ARE SIBLINGS AND FRIENDS INVITED TO COME TO CLASS? Because the classes tend to fill up, we prefer you don’t bring children who aren’t signed up in the program. Of course, you’re most welcome to play nearby in the garden with them while we have class. We also welcome family and friends to join us for special weekend events, harvest celebrations etc. WHICH CLASS SHOULD MY SIX YEAR OLD BE ENROLLED IN? Six year olds are welcome to join either class. Parents know best which age group suits their child. We also want parents to have the flexibility of grouping, (or separating!) siblings. |
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