If you would like your children who are ages 10 to 12 years old to learn more about gardening, the Junior Master Gardener Program (JMG) is for them! This free course will be held in Watford City starting Friday, May 11 (and on Friday, May 18) at 5 pm to 6:30 pm and continuing weekly on Wednesdays during the summer (starting May 23). This program is modeled after the highly successful Master Gardener Program and offers horticultural and environmental science education, and leadership and life skills development through fun and creative activities. The program is committed to helping young people become good gardeners and good citizens so that they can make a positive contribution to their community, school and family.
Participants will meet at the 4-H Building on the McKenzie County Fairgrounds and work in their raised garden beds just north of the building. They will be planting their own vegetable and flower gardens.
Topics of learning will include plant growth and development, soils and water, seed germination and more.
Youth gardeners can explore their world through meaningful horticultural and environmental science activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride, responsibility, and community involvement. The program incorporates service learning and volunteerism, which enables youth to make a positive contribution to their community.
Peer and cross generation mentoring occurs when JMG groups interact with community volunteers and leaders. JMG Kids can be mentors to younger youth, by teaching them about horticulture.
JMG provides an opportunity for youth to interact and bond with nature. As they go through the JMG program, they can learn how to conserve our natural resources and make knowledgeable decisions about the environment.
If you are interested in receiving more information or enrolling your child in the JMG program, please call the McKenzie County Extension Office at 701-444-3451 or e-mail marcia.hellandsaas@ndsu.
Reader Comments(0)